In-vitro fertilization, or IVF, is an expensive infertility treatment that sometimes enables women to have babies. According to the Advanced Fertility Center in Chicago, the IVF process includes taking hormonal medications by injection to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. The eggs are surgically removed, combined with sperm to create an embryo and then re-inserted in the woman's uterus, where it may grow into a baby. Fertility drugs used in IVF may cause weight gain, which impacts fertility. Diet and exercise can help with weight loss after IVF, but must be done cautiously.
Step 1
Reduce your total calorie intake. It takes 3,500 calories to lose 1 lb., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends losing only 1 to 2 lbs. per week for permanent weight loss results. You need to cut 500 to 1,000 calories a day, which can be achieved by making low-fat substitutions, eliminating high-calorie snacks and eating smaller portions. Because you are also pursuing pregnancy, focus on having the healthiest possible diet, with a combination of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meat and dairy.
Step 2
Exercise regularly, but with caution. You may need to do lower-impact exercises such as walking or yoga if you are recovering from a recent IVF procedure, especially if you have painfully overstimulated ovaries. MedlinePlus recommends 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week, but do not push your body to do intense exercise if you do not feel you can handle it.
Step 3
Increase your water intake. Many people do not drink enough water and confuse sensations of thirst for hunger. A 2007 study published in the journal "Obesity" reported more weight loss when participants replaced high-calorie beverages with water. Many common beverages are a surprising source of calories, including sweetened coffee drinks, sodas, juices and smoothies.
References
- Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago: In Vitro Fertilization: Information about the Process and Procedures
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight: Losing Weight
- "Obesity": Replacing Sweetened Caloric Beverages with Water Leads to Lower Energy Intake
- MedlinePlus: Exercise and Weight Loss
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