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How Body Fat Impacts Fertility And Pregnancy? Today’s era is all about body positivity and every day all of us are being told that we should love and accept ourselves the way we are. However, according to research body positivity has encouraged lifestyle habits that negatively affect one’s health. The excessive approval of overweight and obese individual could stop them from improving their life quality by not taking healthy steps ahead.
Being overweight not only increases several health risks but also increases the risk of infertility in women. Studies have shown that women in their 30s are more susceptible to gain weight. Eating large amounts of processed foods, hormonal changes, lack of physical activity and stress are some of the factors that contribute to weight gain in women, and during their 30s weight loss becomes challenging due to the decline in growth.
Note: This article is about weight loss before pregnancy, if you are already pregnant and want to loose some weight then always consult your healthcare expert first.
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How Being Overweight And Underweight Impact Fertility
The lack of a menstrual cycle also known as Amenorrhea is a result of low BMI. Underweight women may experience anovulation due to insufficient body fat, which is necessary for the production of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This can lead to difficulties in conceiving. Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Increased adipose tissue can elevate estrogen levels, which may disrupt normal ovulation and menstrual cycles, leading to anovulation.
In simple words, if you are maintaining a healthy weight and trying to get pregnant then the chances of you conceiving a healthy baby are much higher than an obese woman. Being overweight and underweight are both inadequate for women trying to get pregnant. If you are overweight, your body will produce estrogen in a large amount, estrogen is a group of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
The production of estrogen in such a high amount can lead your body to think it’s already pregnant, hence suppressing ovulation, and if ovulation does not occur the sperm won’t have anything to fuse with, and thus the chances of pregnancy decrease. On the other hand, if you are underweight, then your body produces estrogen in such low quantities that it affects ovulation.
According to Brooke Hodes-Wertz, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at the NYU Langone Fertility Center in New York, being underweight is associated with higher miscarriage rates and smaller babies.
Research has shown that obese women have lower chances of getting pregnant within a year of trying to get pregnant. For example, about 66.4% of obese women conceive within 12 months, compared to 81.4% of women of normal weight due to hormonal imbalances.
Obesity is associated with higher risks of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and complications during labor, which can affect both maternal and fetal health.
Ideal Weight for Pregnancy
How much weight gain you need depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. The ideal weight from a medical perspective does not exist. is a numerical value derived from an individual’s weight and height, used to categorize them into different weight status categories.
Normal BMI: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy or normal.
Underweight: A BMI below 18.5 indicates that a person is underweight.
Overweight: A BMI between 25 and 29 suggests that a person is overweight.
Obesity: A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity.
The ideal BMI for conception falls within 18.5 to 24.9. However, Women who are overweight or obese may still ovulate, but the quality of their eggs is often lower. This reduced egg quality can make it harder to achieve pregnancy.
The chances of birth through IVF also reduces in overweight and obese women by 9% and 20%. Obese women may experience gonadotropin resistance, which means that their bodies do not respond effectively to fertility medications, leading to suboptimal ovarian stimulation.
How to Reach a Healthy BMI for Pregnancy
Balanced Diet:
Always remember, we are what we eat. Following a balanced diet is important for all of us. Always ensure to add fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins to your diet. And completely remove processed and sugary foods, which is the hardest part of following a diet.
Additionally, Always be mindful of the portion sizes to avoid overeating.
Regular Physical Activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Incorporate strength training exercises at least twice a week.
Hydration:
Always stay hydrated and stay away from sugary drinks.
Pro tip: If you don’t like the taste of water and find it boring, try and add some lemons to it, lemons are filled with antioxidants and are super refreshing.
Get Yourself Checked:
Regular checkups can help you diagnose some underlying problems and help your healthcare provider monitor your weight and overall health.
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can affect weight and fertility. Addressing these issues can help in maintaining a healthy weight.
Always set realistic goals to avoid burnout and lack of motivation. Start small and always remain consistent and disciplined with your everyday routine.
Key Takeaways:
Both being overweight and underweight can inversely impact pregnancy and your overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight for a woman is crucial to getting pregnant if not it leads to several health risks, such as heart and kidney diseases.
Achieving a healthy BMI, ideally between 18.5 and 24.9, can improve the chances of conception and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. This can be accomplished through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, proper hydration, and medical check-ups to address any underlying health conditions.
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