10 october 2024 : Experts in health and fertility highlight that Body Mass Index (BMI) plays a crucial role in reproductive health and a woman’s ability to conceive. BMI, a formula based on height and weight, directly affects fertility, with both low and high BMI levels potentially hindering pregnancy.
Dr. Rupali Tambe, a Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF in Pune, explained that women with a BMI within the normal range (18.5-24.9) typically have better chances of conception. However, both underweight and overweight women can face difficulties in getting pregnant. Maintaining a healthy BMI can improve fertility chances.
Underweight and Fertility
Dr. Tambe elaborated that women with a BMI below 18.5 are considered underweight, and this often leads to hormonal imbalances that affect fertility. Low body fat can interfere with the production of essential reproductive hormones like estrogen, which is necessary for regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation. As estrogen levels drop, ovulation and pregnancy chances decrease, leading to irregular periods or even the cessation of menstruation. Additionally, underweight women may lack proper nutrients, reducing egg quality and increasing the risk of miscarriage. Gaining weight to reach a normal BMI can help restore ovulation and improve fertility.
Overweight and Obesity
For women with a BMI over 25, considered overweight, or over 30, classified as obese, Dr. Tambe explained that excess body fat can cause the overproduction of estrogen, disrupting ovulation and the menstrual cycle. This can result in anovulation, a common cause of infertility. Women with high BMIs are also more likely to develop conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects egg quality and causes irregular or absent periods. Obesity can also lead to insulin resistance, further disrupting hormonal balance and hindering ovulation. Obese women are at greater risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and miscarriage. Dr. Tambe advises women with high BMIs to lose weight before trying to conceive, as even a 5-10% weight loss can improve reproductive health and restore ovulation. For older women over 30 struggling to conceive, it is crucial to seek expert advice for a combined weight loss and fertility plan.
Assisted Reproduction and BMI
Women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), may face lower success rates if they are underweight or overweight. Dr. Tambe noted that poor egg quality, reduced ovarian response, and implantation issues are more common in women with abnormal BMIs. Maintaining a healthy BMI can enhance IVF success by optimizing egg quality, hormonal balance, and uterine receptivity.
In conclusion, Dr. Tambe emphasized that both underweight and overweight women may face challenges in conception due to hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation. Whether trying to conceive naturally or through fertility treatments, maintaining a healthy BMI through a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve reproductive health and increase the chances of pregnancy.