Obesity is increasingly becoming a global health concern, and one of its lesser-discussed effects is its significant impact on fertility. While both men and women face challenges due to excess weight, women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable.
Recent data shows that around 23% of women in their reproductive years experience fertility issues linked to obesity. In India, according to the WHO, primary infertility affects 3.9% to 16.8% of the population, with higher prevalence in certain regions. A key contributor in many of these cases is being overweight or obese.
What Is Obesity?
Obesity refers to having excess body fat, commonly assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). Here’s how BMI is classified:
- Overweight: BMI between 25–29.9 kg/m²
- Obese: BMI of 30 kg/m² or more
Though commonly associated with diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, obesity also poses serious concerns for reproductive health.
How Obesity Affects Female Fertility
Obesity disrupts hormonal balance, which can lead to:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Anovulation (failure to release eggs)
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Reduced success with fertility treatments
Research shows that obese women are three times more likely to struggle with infertility compared to women with a healthy BMI. Fat cells can interfere with estrogen levels, directly impacting ovulation and overall reproductive function.
Does Obesity Affect Male Fertility?
Yes. Excess body weight can cause:
- Low sperm count
- Reduced motility
- Hormonal imbalance
- Erectile dysfunction
Obesity in men often results in lower testosterone levels, which can affect sperm quality and fertility potential.
Can Being Underweight Impact Fertility?
Absolutely. Fertility is a delicate balance, and just like obesity, being underweight can also cause complications. These may include:
- Delayed ovulation
- Higher risk of miscarriage
- Premature birth
A healthy BMI is essential for optimal reproductive health in both men and women.
IVF: A Solution for Weight-Related Fertility Challenges
For individuals facing infertility due to weight-related issues, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can offer new hope. IVF is a widely trusted fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body and transferring the embryo into the uterus.
At Prashanthi Fertility Centre, led by Dr. Chandrika Kulkarni, patients receive personalized fertility care tailored to their medical and lifestyle needs. While healthy habits are encouraged, IVF has proven to be a life-changing solution for many overweight or obese individuals seeking to conceive.
What Is the Ideal BMI for IVF?
Most fertility specialists recommend maintaining a BMI below 30 kg/m² for better IVF outcomes. High BMI can reduce treatment effectiveness and increase pregnancy risks. However, with the right support, many women with higher BMI have successfully conceived through IVF.
Dr. Chandrika Kulkarni advises her patients to focus on:
- Balanced diet and nutrition
- Moderate physical activity
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Customized fertility planning
Why Choose Dr. Chandrika Kulkarni at Prashanthi Fertility Centre?
At Prashanthi Fertility Centre, every patient is given focused attention and compassionate care under the expert guidance of Dr. Chandrika Kulkarni. With years of experience in treating complex infertility cases, she ensures:
- In-depth fertility evaluation and counseling
- Evidence-based IVF protocols
- Personalized care for overweight and obese patients
- Complete privacy and ethical medical practice
Conclusion
Obesity can make conception more difficult, but it’s not the end of the road. With the right medical guidance, lifestyle changes, and fertility treatments like IVF, many individuals have successfully started their families.
If you’re struggling with weight-related fertility issues, Dr. Chandrika Kulkarni at Prashanthi Fertility Centre is here to help you take the next step towards parenthood—with empathy, expertise, and personalized care.
