Being overweight is harmful to our health in general, but some of us are unaware that excess weight could also decrease their likelihood of conceiving. Do you want to know more about the effect of excess body weight on fertility? If you do, here is everything you need to know about excess body fat and fertility.

• Being overweight may prevent ovulation
Fat cells trigger the production of excess estrogen, which prevents menstruation and or ovulation. The excess amounts of estrogen trick your body to react as if you are using estrogen birth control pills. Likewise, the excess production of estrogen increases the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a significant cause of sterility in women.

• Excess weight affects the efficacy of fertility treatments
Medical experts claim that being overweight can affect the success rate of in vitro fertilization, and other fertility treatments. On the other hand, obese or overweight women who conceive, have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and also development of gestational diabetes and hypertension.

• Being overweight can lead to insulin resistance
Insulin resistance increases the risk of detrimental health conditions that reduce fertility. For instance, it increases the risk of PCOS, a condition that causes hormonal imbalances, triggers obesity, and it reduces fertility. Furthermore, insulin resistance can compromise the quality and or maturation of the ovum.

• Being overweight causes hormonal imbalances
Excess pounds of body fat can lead to unhealthy hormonal fluctuations. As an example, excess body fat compromises the production of follicle stimulating hormone, as well as the luteinizing hormone. Instabilities in these hormones reduce the viability of sperms and eggs, thereby making it hard to conceive.

How can you increase your fertility rate if you are overweight?
Researchers say that losing 5-10% of your body fat can normalize your hormones, promote ovulation, as well as reduce your risk of developing insulin resistance and other weight-related complications that lower fertility. On that account, if you are trying to conceive, increase your physical activity, and or modify your diet.

How can you know that you have the right weight?
Checking your Body Mass Index (BMI) regularly is the most effective way to appraise your weight. If your BMI is 25 or higher, then you need to consider losing some excess body fat.

Being overweight reduces fertility in men and women. The excess body fat prevents ovulation, causes hormonal imbalances, leads to insulin resistance, and it reduces the success rate of fertility treatments. Overweight people can boost their fertility by losing the extra weight.

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