Your weight can have a direct impact on your ability to get pregnant. Many studies have documented that for women, and now the statement is supported by research on male fertility, too. It's not always a matter of too much weight, as being under-weight can result in ovulatory problems for women. But most fertility experts say that the questions they usually hear from patients are about the benefits of losing weight to enhance fertility.
Why Weight Matters
For women, being overweight can prevent fertility, and many pregnancy complications are worsened with too much weight. One of the most frequent causes of female infertility is ovulation disorder. Women who are obese are at greater risk for ovulatory disorders because of the effect fat has on hormone levels. Shady Grove Fertility says that for men, the same hormone balance issues cause problems with sperm production.
A Healthy Weight
The Body Mass Index, or BMI, provides an easy way to determine whether your weight is optimal for fertility. BMI measures body fat percentage. It's calculated using your height and weight. There are many BMI calculators online, including the one provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. A BMI of 19 or below is considered underweight. Normal BMI is in the 19 to 25 range. A BMI of 25 or more denotes overweight, with anything over 30 obese. If you're trying to get pregnant, the best BMI is within the normal range. BMI can be inaccurate for people with large frames or a lot of muscle mass.
Fertility Treatment & Weight
If you're overweight and trying to conceive, you may be advised by fertility specialists to shrink your BMI before beginning treatment. Even with fertility treatment, overweight women respond poorly to ovulation medication, according to Shady Grove Fertility. Necessary surgical procedures, such as egg retrieval, are riskier. Experts say that for some women who've had a hard time conceiving and are overweight, slimming down to a healthy BMI range is the only intervention needed to result in pregnancy.
Moderation is Key
If you think you may need to adjust your weight to help your fertility, talk to a specialist. Too-rapid weight loss or dropping to the underweight end of the scale can wreak havoc on your hormones and work against your goal of making a baby. At Conceive magazine, Dr. Randy Morris says losing only 5 percent to 10 percent of your body can boost your fertility. Most fertility experts either employ nutrition professionals on staff or can refer you to a list of fertility-focused dietitians.
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