Among the many factors that can affect fertility, weight is one of the most significant. If you have trouble conceiving, it’s essential to understand how your health and body composition can affect your chances. Here are some frequently asked questions about the correlation between weight and fertility and how an infertility specialist can help. 

4 FAQ About the Relationship Between Weight & Fertility 

How does being overweight affect fertility? 

Being overweight can affect your fertility and your baby’s health. While some fat is essential, an excess can lead to several issues, including a spike in estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone crucial to fertility, but too much can cause irregular ovulation and periods, impeding your chances of conception. Furthermore, being overweight can raise your risk of pregnancy complications. 

How does being underweight affect fertility? 

When a woman is underweight with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5, the body may stop producing estrogen. The body stops producing estrogen because it detects it’s not getting adequate nutrients and must conserve energy for essential operations. Having too little estrogen can impede fertility by disrupting menstruation and ovulation. 

How can a fertility doctor help? 

An infertility specialist can help you understand your reproductive health, including the role your weight may play. They will likely start by determining your BMI. They can then recommend gaining or losing weight and provide resources to help you reach your goals. 

What steps can you take to achieve a healthy weight? 

Depending on your current health and goals, the first step will likely be changing your diet. Your caloric needs depend upon factors such as height, weight, age, and activity level. Most women should consume about 1,800 to 2,000 to maintain their weight. To lose weight, you’ll need to decrease your caloric intake, while you’ll need to consume more calories to gain weight.

However, merely changing the number of calories you consume may not suffice. An infertility specialist may suggest adjusting the foods you eat to get all of the nutrients you need. They may also recommend dietary counseling. You may want to make other lifestyle changes as well, including exercising more, to achieve optimal health for conception. 

If you have trouble conceiving, consult an infertility specialist at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI. They’ve helped individuals and families since 1985. As the state’s first fertility clinic, they’ve earned a reputation for their compassionate, effective care and provide a range of services, from infertility counseling to in vitro fertilization. Call (808) 946-2226 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website for more infertility resources.