Last week on the GLOW app, we had a fantastic opportunity for participants to chat with Dr. Alex Thompson, a fertility specialist, about how weight can influence fertility and the hormonal imbalances that might make managing weight a bit tricky.
Dr. Thompson’s Insights on Weight and Fertility
Whether someone is underweight or overweight, their health can take a hit. For instance, being overweight can lead to issues like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. On the flip side, being underweight can result in nutritional deficiencies, lower energy levels, anemia, and even osteoporosis.
So, what’s the ideal body mass index (BMI) for enhancing chances of conception? And what if conditions like PCOS make it tougher to shed those extra pounds? Plus, does weight play a role in male fertility too?
Dr. Thompson emphasizes the need for setting healthy, long-term lifestyle goals to achieve a weight that supports conception and healthier pregnancies. Here are some of the top questions about weight and fertility, along with Dr. Thompson’s responses:
Q: Can being too thin be an issue?
A: “Absolutely! Maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9) is crucial. Women who are significantly underweight, or under physiological stress (like frequent marathon runners or those with eating disorders), might disrupt their ovulation. Some may experience irregular cycles, while others have regular cycles without ovulation. Gaining some weight could help, but if you’ve been trying to conceive for six months, it’s wise to consult with a specialist and evaluate hormone levels.” – Dr. Thompson
Q: I know overweight women who get pregnant without issues. Is it solely about being overweight, or are there other factors, like PCOS?
A: “Weight is certainly a factor in lower pregnancy rates and higher rates of miscarriage. It can also complicate responses to fertility treatments and increase risks during pregnancy, including diabetes and hypertension.” – Dr. Thompson
Q: My boyfriend has some extra weight. Does that impact his fertility?
A: “Yes, a man’s weight can affect his fertility too. Overweight men may see lower sperm counts and motility, and extreme cases can disrupt testosterone levels and sperm production. If you’ve been trying to conceive for over six to twelve months, a thorough evaluation, including a semen analysis, might be beneficial.” – Dr. Thompson
Q: How can I know if I have PCOS without visiting a gynecologist? What symptoms warrant a diagnosis?
A: “Most doctors use the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing PCOS, which require meeting two of three criteria: 1) irregular or absent menstrual cycles, 2) elevated male hormone levels (like acne or increased hair growth), or 3) a specific ovarian appearance on ultrasound.” – Dr. Thompson
Q: Have you seen any medications effectively aid weight loss in women with PCOS?
A: “While various weight loss medications exist, I generally don’t recommend them. I advise patients to pursue healthy and realistic weight loss methods, like working with a dietitian or personal trainer. Quick-fix diets or rapid weight loss methods can stress the body and harm reproductive health. Sometimes surgery is an option, but that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.” – Dr. Thompson
Setting Realistic Weight Goals for Better Fertility
At our practice, BMI is measured to assess weight and height. Ideally, a BMI of 18.5-24.9 is best, yet only about a third of women fall within this range. The goal for many women is to get their BMI under 30; any progress towards that can bring couples closer to conception.
If you’d like to join the next Q&A session with Dr. Thompson or other specialists, consider downloading the GLOW app on your smartphone. These sessions take place every Wednesday evening around 4:30 p.m. For more information on how weight influences fertility or to schedule a consultation with one of our reproductive endocrinologists, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In addition, you can explore our post on the best pregnancy-safe skincare, haircare, and makeup products for 2024, which you can find here. Also, if you’re considering at-home options, take a look at the at-home insemination kit for a comprehensive approach.
Summary:
Weight significantly impacts fertility in both men and women, with healthy BMI levels being crucial for conception and pregnancy. Setting realistic weight goals, considering lifestyle changes, and seeking professional help when needed can make a difference in fertility outcomes.