Is there truly a relationship between weight and infertility? No! some persons will quickly respond.
Their responses are because they do not see the tangible connection.
Several times, we have heard: “I don’t think being overweight affects conception”. There is a mental block in this statement that needs to break.
Sadly, the connection is not something that could be felt like a headache. There is a lot that happens in the body like spiritual things.
Unfortunately, nothing shows in the physical to point you to the underlining factor – infertility.
Weight and infertility is a topic that has received immense attention because of different reasons.
People who gain weight do not do it in one year or even two years. It is done overtime. As such, some hardly know they are gaining weight.
Basically, in this article, we will look at researches that highlight the relationship between weight and infertility.
Indeed, obesity (being overweight) is a major cause of different diseases from chronic to less chronic ones.
Unfortunately, infertility is increasing among women of reproductive age and it is becoming a thing of concern.
Some men have said it is difficult to to penetrate a woman that is overweight.
Aside from poor penetration, there are other reasons an overweight woman or man may have impaired fertility.
What Researches Say About Weight And Infertility?
Basically, we will look at being overweight and how it affects a woman’s fertility.
One of the parameters you could use to know if you are overweight is your Body Mass Index (BMI).
It is a simple calculation you can do.
All you need is your height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person’s weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared. You can also explore resources online for the calculation. There is a BMI calculator on our website. Scroll down after reading this article and you will find it.
Categorically, a BMI of 25.0 or more is overweight, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9.
Being obese or overweight is associated with infertility in women through multiple and complex mechanisms.
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In 2015, a study highlighted that “overweight women have a higher incidence of menstrual dysfunction and anovulation (not ovulating. No egg is released)”.
This study also states that the risk of subfecundity and infertility, conception rates, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications are increased in these women.
Going further into why this happens, a 2019 study states that the production of leptin, free fatty acids and and cytokines may affect both ovarian and endometrium functions.
This alters immature ovum or egg in a woman and lowers the chance of the egg maturing for release.
In addition, through the development of peripheral insulin resistance obesity produces a condition of functional hyperandrogenism (high levels of androgens) and excess estrogen in female.
This contributes to anovulation and then reduces endometrial receptivity and, therefore participate to cause infertility.
Weight Loss And Fertility Restoration
Interestingly, there is a reversal of this situation and that is just for you to lose weight and return to your ideal weight. Remember the BMI.
While overweight could trigger infertility, weight loss is able to restore fertility in most cases.
According to the 2019 study, an earlier study showed that weight loss in obese infertile women is extremely effective for the resumption of ovulation, improvement of spontaneous pregnancy rate, and reduction of miscarriage rate.
Although the amount of weight loss required for the resumption of fertility is unclear, returning to an ideal weight is a good idea.
According to a study, a loss of only 6.9% of initial body weight is sufficient to enhance pregnancy rates.
“In women with massive obesity, bariatric surgery has been shown to improve fertility, but to date there is no consensus on the role of bariatric surgery in the management of infertility-associated obesity within the medical community.”
Another study described a 78.5% of pregnancies in obese infertile women after weight loss induced by Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon treatment.
How To Begin A Weight Loss Journey
If you do not know how to begin, here is what to do.
1. Debug Your Mind
Sadly many overweight persons carry their body with dignity and believe that it brings them respect.
People look at your size and just respect you, they believe.
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But what will you do with this respect when the organs in your body are burdened and aging fast.
You need to clean your mind from thoughts that are creating a mind-block.
Believe that you need to lose weight and go for it. Damn what people will say and focus on the goal you want to achieve.
2. Adjust You Diet
Your food is basic when it comes to weight gain and weight loss.
Get a nutritionist or health coach to help you identify foods with high calories that you consume.
With this, you will be able to know what to eliminate from your diet and what to add.
If you take a close look at this plate, it could guide you.
3. Create A Workout Routine
Exercise alone will not make you lose weight.
You did not gain weight by exercising remember. But adding exercise to your routine while you adjust your diet profits a lot.
One thing exercise does when you adjust your diet is that it helps burn excess calories.
Also, it helps firm the muscles as the weight comes down.
Draw up a routine and follow it daily.
You can also contact our health coach for further guide on how to lose weight and improve fertility.
Find more resources on health and wellness here.