Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that as of 2008, as many as 72 million Americans could be considered obese. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index score of 30 or greater; an overweight BMI score starts at 25. Being obese or overweight puts you at a higher risk for diseases such as heart disease or certain forms of cancer. Being overweight may also affect your ability to have children.
Estrogen
Fat cells produce estrogen, making women who are overweight more likely to have excess levels of the hormone. Too much estrogen creates a similar effect to taking birth control, the Fertility Plus website explains, making your ovulation inadequate --- or in some cases preventing ovulation from occurring at all.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also be connected to women who above the recommended BMI for their height. Women with higher BMI are at a greater risk for developing several chronic diseases including diabetes. The insulin resistance associated with diabetes causes your pancreas to work overtime to help your cells use the glucose in your bloodstream for energy. Unfortunately, excess insulin production can increase your androgen production, the Mayo Clinic warns. This increases your risks for PCOS, which can affect your ability to get pregnant.
Irregular Menstrual Cycle
Obesity may also throw off your menstrual cycle. The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago suggests trying to lose weight if you are having difficulty getting pregnant, as well as if you plan on using in vitro fertilization. A common example of obesity's effect on the cycle is luteal phase defect. The luteal phase is the period between ovulation and menses. A normal luteal phase lasts between 12 and 16 days. Obesity can throw the phase off, making it difficult to become pregnant.
Erectile Dysfunction
Obesity not only affects a female's ability to get pregnant, but can also affect the fertility of men. Cardiac filling pressures and blood volumes are higher in both men and women who are overweight, according to the American Physiological Society. This can result in obesity-related hypertension. The excess blood pressure associated with hypertension may cause damage to the arteries in the penis, affecting your ability to get a full erection.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Halting the Epidemic by Making Health Easier: At A Glance 2010
- The American Physiological Society: Obesity And Hypertension: Two Epidemics Or One?
- Medical News Today: Link Found Between Obesity And Erectile Dysfunction
- Mayo Clinic: Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Fertility Plus: Infertility FAQ for Women of Size
- Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago: Weight and Fertility Body mass index and its effect on infertility and in vitro fertilization success rates
