Is there a link between obesity and infertility?

Written by Gordon

There is probably no news in the world that anyone could get that is worse than being told that you’re infertile – except perhaps the news that it may be caused by your excess body weight or obesity.

Many people might immediately bristle or become defensive at this type of news or suggestion. They may start to think about how their own body weight is their business, or think of other people who had children when they were overweight also. So why try to make someone feel bad by saying that their infertility is their own fault?

This type of news isn’t mean to place blame or point fingers. No one is saying that anyone who is overweight somehow deserves their own infertility or that they’ve created their own problems.

However, if there is scientific data that shows how one’s smoking can decrease fertility, or how one’s overdrinking is causing their reproductive issues, wouldn’t that person want to make those lifestyle changes of stopping their smoking and curtailing their drinking, if it meant finally being able to get pregnant?

And there is scientific data to back up the statement that obesity and excess body weight can at least contribute to one’s problems with infertility and reproduction.

How exactly does this happen?

It is well known that obesity has been directly linked to serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. The livers of obese women produce increased amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides, both of which are known risk factors for heart disease. An increased strain on the back and legs often leads to osteoarthritis.

The most common reproductive disorder associated with obesity is anovulation, or failure to ovulate, as a result of polycystic ovulation syndrome, or PCOS.

Additional body weight interferes with one’s production of hormones and the balance of estrogen in a woman’s system. Obviously a proper supply of estrogen is needed for reproduction.

When a woman fails to ovulate, this means the fallopian tubes are not properly dropping eggs to be fertilized as they should, or the eggs themselves are damaged and do not allow for fertilization. Excessive body weight interferes with this process, putting undue strain on the fallopian tubes and on the uterus, whereby an egg that is fertilized does not attach itself properly and is miscarried – typically without a woman’s knowledge.

So if you’re someone who is struggling with a weight issue and is also experiencing infertility and reproductive issues, it’s time to get tough with yourself and realize that the two may actually be working hand-in-hand. Again, no one wants to think about how they’re overweight or to think about how they need to make changes before they can actually get pregnant, but it should be thought of as empowering. If you know that some simple lifestyle changes of a better diet and a bit more exercise may mean that you can finally have that child you’ve been dreaming of, isn’t it worth those few changes?