Excessive weight for a particular height (High BMI) can interfere with fertility both in men and women.
Obesity leads to hormonal changes, which in turn reduces the chance of conception.
Obesity leads to increased insulin resistance, which interferes with normal ovulation (egg production). PCOS is seen in women with obesity and increased insulin resistance. Even if you are planning for assisted conception like IVF, obesity significantly reduces the success rate.
Obesity also increases chance of
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Blood clots
- Having a large baby
- Difficult childbirth
Most obese women end up having a caesarean section.
In men, obesity reduces testosterone levels and also their performance.
How does weight loss improve fertility?
Weight loss significantly improves fertility rates through the correction of hormonal imbalances.
Adipose tissue or fat tissue is an important endocrine organ that produces several chemicals and hormones. These hormones interfere with normal body weight and fertility. Adipose tissue also controls hunger and fullness.
Increased adipose tissue has an impact on the action of testosterone in men. In women increased adipose tissue worsens insulin resistance and creates an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone.
How can The London Obesity clinic help me?
A comprehensive consultation (which includes a thorough look into your medical background, weight-related conditions, sleep/hunger pattern, body composition analysis and more) by one of our endocrinologists.
Thereafter a specialist team including a dietitian provide a 3-month intensive Fertility-Weight Loss programme. You will have offline and online support throughout the programme. During these three month, our specialist team will be supporting you with emotional eating, sleep, hunger pattern, sexual dysfunction and other endocrine problems. You will have the option of joining a maintenance programme for up to 12 months of additional support.
If you wish to see a specialist for an initial consultation and join our programmes then please fill out the contact form below and we will be in touch shortly
Watch our video on Weight Loss for Infertility
