Obesity is a known risk factor for ovulation problems, but it also contributes to infertility in women who ovulate normally. Research shows that excess weight can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Obesity has a number of adverse effects on a woman or man’s fertility.
WHAT IS OBESITY?
Obesity is defined as excess adipose tissue (fat). There are several different methods for determining excess adipose (fat) tissue; the most common being the Body Mass Index (BMI) . BMI is calculated by dividing a person's body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
The BMI cutoffs are:
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Normal weight
24.5-29.9 Overweight
30 and greater Obese
40 and greater Morbid or extreme obesity
If BMI is above 30, capacity of conception in female decreases . According to one research,a woman with a BMI of 35 was found to be 26% less likely to achieve a spontaneous pregnancy than women who were normal weight or overweight but not obese. A woman with a BMI of 40 or more was 43% less likely to get pregnant.
HOW OBESITY AFFECTS FERTILITY?
1. Obesity affects your hormones
When your body mass index goes past the overweight category (BMI of 25–29.9) into the obese category (BMI of 30 and above), hormonal changes may occur in your body. When your levels of natural hormones change, your chances of conception decrease.
2. Obesity leads to insulin resistance
The hormonal imbalance that comes with obesity often leads to insulin resistance. That is a major risk factor on the road to diabetes - but it also affects your fertility and can create abnormal menstrual cycles. Insulin resistance can lead to anovulation, in which your body does not produce eggs properly.
3. Obesity affects natural and assisted pregnancies
This story is from the October - December 2018 edition of He & She.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October - December 2018 edition of He & She.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Health Issues Your 'Manhood' Is Indicating
Believe it or not, your favorite organ can be really informative.
PCOS & Infertility
In general infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one-year (or longer) of unprotected sex.
6 Habits Which Hurt Your Bone Health
Most of us don't spend too much time fretting about our bones. Not only can we not directly see them, but thinking about your bones seems like something you only have to deal with when you're older. However, you might not realize it, but there are a number of everyday habits that could hurt your bone health. Although you might not feel the repercussions now, you won't want to suffer the consequences later.
11 Health Benefits Of Eggs
Eggs have gotten a bad rap in some circles. Yes, they do have some cholesterol and fat. But they also have loads of nutrients and protein.
Can Obesity Cause Infertility!
Obesity is a known risk factor for ovulation problems, but it also contributes to infertility in women who ovulate normally. Research shows that excess weight can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Obesity has a number of adverse effects on a woman or man’s fertility.
Spice Is Always Nice
If you love eating food so hot that your eyes run, your nose streams, and you're still feeling it several days later, there's good news for you: spicy foods have some health benefits you probably didn't know about. Evidence suggests humans have been adding spice to their food for many centuries. That love for the tingle in our lips has been passed down through generations, and for good reason. While it may seem contradictory that a type of foodstuff that gives us pain while eating it could also have health benefits, science is increasingly revealing that indulging in chili peppers and other eye-wateringly hot spices is a good thing for our hearts, our brains, and our lifespan in general.
Let's Just Cuddle
I’m a cuddle monster. I’ve been a cuddle monster since I was very, very little. There’s just something about getting all snuggled up with someone that gets me, every time. I always thought it was because I’m a natural-born hedonist, but apparently there are some major health benefits to cuddling, too.
