Your weight might be affecting your ability to become pregnant. Women who are overweight or obese are less likely to become pregnant than those who are not, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Being overweight or obese can also increase the risks of complications when you do become pregnant. The ASRM says that a weight loss of just 5 to 10 percent may improve ovulation, fertility and pregnancy outcome. If you are overweight or obese and have not had luck with fertility treatments, consider losing weight to improve your fertility and your overall health.
Step 1
Get permission from your doctor. Although it usually is safe to lose weight after fertility treatments, your doctor may not want you to do so if there is a possibility you may be pregnant or are planning to continue fertility treatments. Do not significantly alter your diet or exercise program without speaking to a doctor first.
Step 2
Determine how many calories you typically use in a day. This number varies based on individual circumstances. Factors such as activity level, medical condition and age play a role. Use an online calculator or ask a doctor or nutritionist to determine your specific number.
Step 3
Keep track of the number of calories in the foods you consume. You can find this information by looking at the nutrition label or using an online nutrition database, such as Livestrong's MyPlate. Aim to always consume fewer calories than you typically burn in a day. You will begin to lose weight when you do this on a consistent basis.
Step 4
Eat a well-balanced diet that consists of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean meats. Avoid foods high in sugar, sodium, fat or cholesterol. Not only will this help you avoid consuming more calories than you need, but it will help ensure your body is able to properly nourish a baby if you do become pregnant.
Step 5
Engage in low- to moderate-intensity exercise. Combining a healthy diet with exercise will give you optimal weight-loss results. Do not exercise too strenuously, which may decrease your overall fertility, according to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's website.
Tips and Warnings
- Replace high-calorie beverages with plain or sparkling water to easily cut calories from your diet. The National Infertility Association suggests that overweight women should reduce their total fat intake to less than 30 percent of their total calories and limit their saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of their total calories.
- Losing weight may not be appropriate if you are already pregnant or will be continuing fertility treatment. If either of these situations apply, consult a doctor for advice. Being overweight can negatively impact fertility, but so can being underweight. Do not attempt to lose weight if you are already at a healthy weight, especially if you would like to become pregnant.
References
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Weight and Fertility
- Resolve: The Impact of Environmental Factors, Body Weight & Exercise on Fertility
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cutting Calories
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Make Your Calories Count
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology: Hard Workouts -- Reduced Fertility
Member Comments