Fertility Fact: If you are overweight, a 5% weight loss can increase fertility.
Obesity is widely know to be a risk factor for the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Less known is that women presenting with elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes substantially increase the risk of birth defects in the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Both diabetes and metabolic syndrome place a high risk on the development of cardiovascular disease and organ damage.
Aside from the risk of birth defects, obesity is associated with decreased fertility, decreased success with fertility treatment, and miscarriage. Additionally, a woman who is obese at the time of delivery increases the likelihood that the child will also become obese later in life (although this risk is reversed if the same mother achieves a normal weight). Finally, pregnancy complications that affect both mother and baby are significantly increased in obese women.
The good news is that in obese and overweight women modest weight loss can increase fertility. In a study from the University of Sheffield found of the obese women who were not ovulating, those that lost 5% of body weight increased blood flow to the womb by 19% and a significant portion of the population resumed spontaneous ovulation.
For women with a high BMI, the idea of losing lots of weight to achieve pregnancy can be daunting. Starting with just 5% weight loss, and then increasing to 10% will lead to more achievable goals.
According to Dr. Joseph Doyle, “Motivation to change and emotional support during weight loss are important. Seek this help in your friends, relatives, clinicians, or support groups.” Diet with a friend, and rather than following a “fad” diet, the most consistent weight loss has been achieved by following a regimented, low-calorie diet.
Screening for the risk of diabetes early is important, as tightly controlled blood sugar levels are important to the prevention of birth defects. Effective treatments can be as simple as receiving useful nutritional counseling, and may also incorporate medication, and sometimes surgery, in order to achieve the desired weight loss.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons by calling 877-971-7755.
