How does obesity affect the ability to have children?

Obesity and overweight affect couples’ fertility and ability to have children.

Overweight patients have been studied the most in the reproductive area, because not only psychosocial factors have changed, but also sexual ability, libido and ovulation, as well as hormonal and biochemical parameters. causing infertility and serious adverse effects both in pregnancy and in the possibility of giving birth to a healthy child.

“Both obesity and overweight are conditions that compromise fertility, causing infertility, ovulation disorders, sexual function, worse results in assisted reproduction techniques and a complicated obstetric prognosis,” explains Dr. Mayka Morgan, specialist in the Medical Department of the Reproductive Department of the IVI Panama.

However, it is in your hands to do something about it. It has been proven that obese or overweight people can significantly increase their chances of having children by reducing their body weight by just 5%.

And this does not only apply to women, men who are overweight or obesity They are also able to increase their fertility when they lose weight.

“It is not necessary to lose a large amount of weight to improve the chances of treatment success. Any action taken towards a normal BMI can help achieve this goal. This includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity, which can help achieve a healthy weight,” adds the expert.

BMI is an estimate based on a person’s weight and height, so if it is within the range of 18-25 it is considered normal, if it is within the range of 26-30 it is considered obese. and if it is within the range of 31-40 it is considered diabetes.

Weight loss treatments and assisted reproduction

Many patients who start the infertility procedure are heavier than normal, and because of this, the quality of the eggs and embryos is impaired or the receptivity of the endometrium is reduced, which affects the results of the assisted reproduction of these patients.

Obese people tend to take longer to conceive naturally and are also three times more likely to have infertility problems than those of normal weight. Therefore, they rely on assisted reproduction treatments and achieve this faster and more efficiently.

For patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, sIf your BMI is higher than normal, it may be difficult to get to the egg retrieval stage, as they may not respond to fertility drugs and the cycle may repeat.

Excess weight can negatively affect human health and reproduction. It is therefore important that patients receive appropriate advice to control their weight. IVI specialists recommend a lifestyle based on a low-calorie diet, adapted physical exercise and psychological support.

It is important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight is essential for health and fertility. If you are planning to have a baby or are pregnant, talk to your specialist about living a healthy lifestyle and getting the right medical care for you and your baby.