Yes, the weight matters to your fertility!

Body mass index and fertility are closely linked. Being underweight or overweight can affect hormones, ovulation in women, and lower sperm quality in men—reducing the chances of conception. In the UAE, where 44.2% of women and 30.9% of men are obese, the impact of weight and fertility is a growing concern (Source: *Global Nutrition Report ). Maintaining a healthy BMI is key to improving reproductive health.

What is BMI and Why Does It Matter?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m²). The BMI categories are underweight (below 18.5), normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (30 and above). BMI acts as a useful screening tool for overall health. It is important to assess metabolic and reproductive health, as both underweight and overweight levels can impact fertility and hormonal balance.

Effects of Being Overweight on Female Fertility

Excess weight can interfere with a reproductive system of women in many ways from hormonal imbalances to reduced treatment success. Maintaining a healthy BMI is the key to improving fertility outcomes.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Increased body fat raises estrogen levels, disrupting ovulation.
• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Makes it more challenging to track or achieve conception.
• Higher Risk of PCOS: Common in overweight women, leading to ovulatory issues.
• Insulin Resistance: Affects egg quality and ovulation.
• Chronic Inflammation: Negatively impacts ovarian function and hormone levels.
• Lower IVF Success Rates: Extra weight may reduce the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
• Better Outcomes with Weight Loss: Even modest weight loss can restore cycle regularity and improve fertility.

Effects of Being Underweight on Female Fertility

Low body weight can disrupt key productive functions and reduce the chances of conception.

• Estrogen Deficiency:Low body fat leads to insufficient estrogen, which can affect fertility
• Irregular or Missed Periods: Amenorrhea is common. This makes ovulation unpredictable.
• Higher Miscarriage Risk:Poor hormonal support increases loss of pregnancy.

Impact of BMI on Male Fertility

Effects of weight on male fertility

Both being underweight and obese can impair male fertility by affecting the sperm quality, sexual function and hormonal levels.

Obesity

• Hormonal Imbalance:Lower testosterone and higher estrogen reduces sperm production.
• Scrotal Heat: Excess fat raises temperature and harms sperm health
• Poor Sperm Quality: Lower count, motility, and increased DNA damage.
• Erectile Dysfunction: More common in obese men, affecting fertility.

Achieving a Fertility-Friendly Weight

• Small Changes Matter: Losing or gaining just 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve fertility.
• Balanced Lifestyle:Opt for a nutritious diet, engage in regular moderate exercise and stress management
• Avoid Extremes: Avoid crash dieting or excessive workouts that can harm reproductive health.
• Safe, Natural Solution: For individuals who are looking for non-invasive and side-effect-free options to improve reproductive health.

When to Seek Help from a Doctor

If you've been experiencing irregular periods, trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success, or having weight-related fertility issues, then you should seek advice from a medical expert. If you experience irregular periods or have weight-related fertility issues, it's time to seek medical advice. Conditions like PCOS or low testosterone can also impact conception.

How Dr Batra’s^® Can Help

• Homeopathic Approach: Dr Batra’s® offers personalised homeopathy-based treatments to balance hormones naturally.
• Integrated Care: Combines nutrition advice, stress management, and personalised and individual lifestyle plans.
• Expert Evaluation: Detailed consultation to understand underlying causes, including weight-linked fertility issues.
• Safe, Natural Solutions: Ideal for individuals seeking non-invasive and side-effect-free options to improve reproductive health.

Conclusion

• Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential for reproductive health.
• Both overweight and underweight conditions can disrupt hormonal balance and impair fertility.
• Small, sustainable lifestyle changes, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise can significantly improve fertility outcomes.
• Seeking professional help early can effectively address weight-related fertility issues.
• Dr Batra’s^® in Dubai offers personalised homeopathic treatments, lifestyle modifications, and nutrition guidance to help balance hormones and improve fertility naturally.