Weight Loss & Fertility

Body weight plays a role in how well a woman's reproductive system works. Obesity can cause women to stop ovulating or have irregular menstrual cycles, making it much harder or impossible to conceive. Weight loss can sometimes cause a woman to begin ovulating normally. At the same time, losing weight too rapidly can also have a negative effect on fertility.

The Facts

• According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, women who are obese have an increased risk of infertility, a lower rate of success with fertility treatments and an increased risk of miscarriage. A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above is considered obese.

Problems

• Irregular menstrual cycles can be a sign that a woman is not ovulating. Dr. Clarissa Gracia, a reproductive endocrinologist at the University of Pennsylvania Penn Fertility Care Center, wrote in a recent article that 30 percent to 40 percent of obese women have been shown in studies to have irregular menstrual cycles.

Treatment

• A common cause of fertility problems in obese women is the fact that they have stopped ovulating. The ASRM reports that weight loss of 5 percent to 10 percent can significantly improve ovulation and fertility rates.

Considerations

• Rapid weight loss can also have a negative impact on fertility. Women who only want to lose five to 10 pounds should make sure they are doing so in a healthy manner. Losing too much weight too quickly can upset a woman's ovulation cycle, according to Joanne Larsen, a registered dietitian who runs the website Dietitian.com. Larsen recommends that women who are trying to conceive and want to lose weight do so at a rate of one to two pounds per week. Exercise and a balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals are key to keeping the reproductive system working.

Bottom Line

• Maintaining a healthy weight is important to a woman's reproductive health. Obese women should consult a physician to make a healthy weight-loss plan to improve fertility. A healthy diet and a good exercise plan are key to safe weight management for women who are trying to conceive.