It’s important to be healthy if you plan on having a child. Being overweight—which is defined by a BMI (body mass index) between 25 and 29.9—or obese—having a BMI greater than 30—can impact fertility in both prospective parents. Health care professionals will help you take steps to conceive and have a healthy term. In the guide below, learn more about how extra weight affects reproduction and what to do about it.

What’s the Link Between Obesity & Reproductive Health?

In Women

Excessive BMIs cause hormonal changes in women. When the body doesn’t remove glucose from the bloodstream—a condition called insulin resistance—it can cause anovulation, which interferes with egg production. It can also lead to too much estrogen production. This puts your body into a natural state of conception prevention, similar to that of pregnant women.

Overweight women who do become pregnant will be at greater risks of infection, premature birth, stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. It’s important to understand that obesity affects natural and in vitro pregnancies.

In Men

Studies have shown that being overweight or obese can impact sperm count. Men carrying extra weight are 11% more likely to have lower sperm counts, and the incidence jumps to 42% for obese men.

Fat cells can also convert the hormone androstenedione—which contributes to testosterone production and is crucial to sexual performance—into the female hormone estrone. This inference can influence reproductive health.

What Can You Do When Trying to Conceive?

Take steps to lose excess weight. Both men and women should first adjust their diets. Enjoy whole, unprocessed foods and vegetables, such as dark leafy greens that are rich in nutrients. Reduce sugar intake and try to consume 20 to 50 grams of protein every day. Healthy sources of lean protein include chicken, turkey, and tofu. 

Aim to exercise 30 minutes each day as well. Use a combination of weight training and anaerobic exercise to both lose fat and build lean muscle. If you have mobility challenges, consider physical therapy to regain your range of motion and muscle strength while also burning fat.

If you need medical help losing weight in a healthy way, turn to Spectrum Healthcare in Cornelia, GA. This medical center and urgent care clinic offers a variety of health care services, including physical therapy and massage therapy. Dr. Corey Mote takes a personalized approach to health care and will create a plan to fulfill all your goals. Call (706) 778-0077 to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn more about their practice.