Effect of Weight on Fertility in Women & Men

A woman’s weight can have a significant impact on her fertility. Although easier said than done, maintaining a healthy weight can increase the chances of conceiving, having a successful pregnancy, and delivering a healthy baby. Both being overweight and underweight can lead to female fertility problems. And it comes as a surprise to many couples that a man’s weight also affects his fertility by impacting sperm production and quality.

In this article, renowned Austin, TX natural fertility doctor Ruthie Harper, MD discusses how weight can affect both female and male fertility.

Obesity and Infertility

Obesity has been linked to several health problems in women, including infertility. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and it affects one in three women of reproductive age. Obesity leads to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt ovulation and cause menstrual irregularities.

Overweight women have an increased risk of ovulatory dysfunction, which occurs when the ovary does not release an egg every month. The hormonal changes caused by obesity can also affect the quality of the eggs released, leading to a lower chance of conception. Obese women also have a higher risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

How Being Overweight Affects Fertility in Women

One of the main ways that obesity affects fertility is by increasing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to an increase in androgens, which are male hormones. In women, high levels of androgens can disrupt ovulation and lead to infertility. Obesity also affects the production of estrogen, leading to an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, which can also affect ovulation and cause fertility problems.

Obesity is also linked to inflammation, which can affect fertility. Inflammation can result in damage to the eggs and the reproductive system, negatively affecting the chances of conception. Obesity is also linked to oxidative stress, which can affect the quality of the eggs and lead to infertility.

The good news is that even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve fertility in overweight women. Austin, TX natural fertility doctor Ruthie Harper, MD can help overweight women achieve a healthy weight that can improve fertility in obese women. Losing weight can help a woman reduce insulin resistance, improve hormonal balance, and reduce inflammation, leading to improved fertility.

How Being Underweight Affects Fertility in Women

Many women do not realize that being underweight can also affect their fertility. A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight, and it affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Being underweight can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt ovulation and cause menstrual irregularities.

Women who engage in extreme training, competitive runners, and women with eating disorders are all at risk for having a BMI that is too low to support conception and pregnancy.

Underweight women have an increased risk of ovulatory dysfunction, which occurs when the ovary does not release an egg every month. The hormonal changes caused by being underweight can also affect the quality of the eggs released, leading to a lower chance of conception. Underweight women also have a higher risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy, such as preterm labor and low birth weight.

One of the main ways being underweight affects fertility is by reducing the production of estrogen. Estrogen is essential for ovulation and maintaining a healthy reproductive system. Being underweight can also lead to an increase in the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can affect ovulation and cause fertility problems.

Being underweight can also affect the production of leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism. Low levels of leptin can disrupt ovulation and lead to infertility. Being underweight can also lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as iron and folic acid, which are essential for fertility and a healthy pregnancy.

Fortunately, weight gain can improve fertility in underweight women. Austin, TX natural fertility doctor Ruthie Harper, MD can help underweight women achieve a healthy weight that can improve fertility. Gaining weight can help to improve the production of estrogen, reduce the production of cortisol, and increase the production of leptin, leading to improved fertility. Gaining weight can also help to ensure that the body has the essential nutrients needed for fertility and a healthy pregnancy.

Obesity and Male Fertility

Weight has a significant impact on male fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for optimal sperm production and quality, which are essential factors for successful conception

Obesity has been linked to several health problems, including infertility in men. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and it affects one in three men. Obesity leads to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt sperm production and quality.

Obese men have been found to have lower sperm counts and lower sperm motility compared to men of normal weight. Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to swim towards the egg, and low motility can make it more difficult for the sperm to fertilize the egg. Obese men also have higher levels of estrogen, which can lead to further disruptions in sperm production.

How Being Overweight Affects Male Fertility

One of the main ways that obesity affects male fertility is by increasing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to an increase in androgens, which are male hormones. In men, high levels of androgens can lead to decreased sperm production and infertility.

Obesity is also linked to oxidative stress, which can affect the quality of the sperm. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, including sperm cells. Obesity can also lead to inflammation, which can further damage sperm cells and reduce sperm quality.

However, even moderate weight loss can improve fertility in men who are overweight. Austin, TX natural fertility doctor Ruthie Harper, MD can help overweight men achieve a healthy weight that can improve fertility. Losing weight can help to reduce insulin resistance, improve hormonal balance, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to improved sperm production and quality. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve fertility in overweight men.

How Being Underweight Affects Male Fertility

Being underweight can also affect male fertility. A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight, and it affects around 1 in 10 men. Being underweight can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt sperm production and quality.

Underweight men have been found to have lower sperm counts and lower sperm motility compared to men of normal weight. Underweight men also have lower levels of testosterone, which is essential for sperm production.

Testosterone is essential for the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system, including the production of sperm. Being underweight can also lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin D, which are essential for sperm production and quality.

Weight gain can improve fertility in underweight men. Gaining weight can help to improve the production of testosterone and ensure that the body has the essential nutrients needed for sperm production and quality.

It is essential to maintain a healthy weight if you are trying to conceive. This is actually wonderful news, because weight IS a factor over which a person does have control – and is something that is ‘fixable’ to improve a couple’s chances of conception.

Remember, in most cases, even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve fertility in overweight women and men. And while we know that weight loss is never ‘easy’ – Austin, TX natural fertility doctor Ruthie Harper, MD can help women and men achieve a healthy weight that can improve fertility.

Weight Loss to Improve Fertility | Austin, TX Fertility Doctor

If you are trying to conceive, dietary adjustments and weight loss are just one of the many ways that Dr. Harper can help you restore your overall health – so that your body is “in balance” and better equipped to conceive a child naturally.

If you have tried to become pregnant without success, Dr. Harper opens her practice doors to you with compassion, understanding, and more than twenty years of natural fertility experience. She will help you discover your personal path to total health, wellness, balance, and fertility – without expensive IVF – to help you become pregnant and achieve your dream of growing your family.

Fertility Weight Loss | Austin, TX: 512.343.9355