How Does Weight Affect Fertility?

This negative impact may be due to low progesterone levels in the second half of the menstrual cycle or to alteration in reproductive hormones related to ovulation. The hormone leptin has recently been identified as a possible contributor to infertility in women who exercise excessively.

Leptin plays a key role in energy balance and strenuous exercise can reduce leptin levels.  Low leptin levels are associated with reproductive hormone imbalance, which may cause infertility.

In women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, participation in four or more hours of intense exercise per week has been associated with lower treatment success.

Men, Weight & Fertility

Less is known about the impact of weight on male fertility. There is evidence that men with increased BMI have lower reproductive hormone levels, but the effect of these lower hormone levels on sperm count and function is unclear. Some studies have found lower sperm counts in men with increased BMI, where others have found no difference compared to men with normal BMI.

Weight loss in men can improve hormone levels, but the effect of weight loss on fertility is not known.

In general, excessive exercise in males does not appear to affect fertility; although certain types of exercise (e.g. cycling and triathlon) have been associated with alterations in sperm quality.

For both men and women, a regimen of moderate exercise and dietary modification can help achieve a healthy weight and improved  fertility.

Is Your Weight Putting Your Fertility At Risk? - Page 2  was originally published on blackdoctor.org