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Obesity and Infertility

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Obesity During Pregnancy in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Elevated body weight can decrease fertility in men and women. It increases the risk of ovulatory dysfunction and insulin resistance but can also decrease chance of conception in women with regular cycles. In men, excess adipose tissue can create an unfavorable endocrine profile and decrease sperm count and quality. Obstetrical morbidity and mortality, and metabolic consequences for the next generation, increase with elevated body weight so the ideal time to optimize BMI is preconception. Strategies for weight loss should center on caloric restriction and increased physical activity, but can utilize medication and surgery as adjuncts.

Aside from tobacco use, obesity is the most modifiable risk factor for infertility.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, The Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine (ACRM), Atlanta, GA, USA

    Kathryn C. Calhoun MD

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  1. Kathryn C. Calhoun MD
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Correspondence to Kathryn C. Calhoun MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

    Wanda Nicholson

  2. School of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA

    Kesha Baptiste-Roberts

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

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Calhoun, K.C. (2014). Obesity and Infertility. In: Nicholson, W., Baptiste-Roberts, K. (eds) Obesity During Pregnancy in Clinical Practice. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2831-1_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2831-1_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-2830-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2831-1

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