Small Weight Loss Increases Fertility

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
Jul 3rd 2009 9:00AM

Photo: eric langner, Flickr

Obesity and fertility are closely linked. Not only can obesity cause ovulation problems, it also seems to impair fertility in obese women who ovulate normally. But recent research gives new hope to obese or overweight women who are hoping to get pregnant. Research shows that a small amount of weight loss can increase fertility.

Women in the study had a BMI of nearly 40. They were given medication (orlistat or metformin) to help them shed pounds. After 12 weeks, researchers discovered that even a modest 5 percent drop in weight increased blood flow to the womb, which reduced testosterone levels and triggered the ovaries to function properly.

When you have lots of weight to lose, it can be daunting to look at your long-term weight goal. Particularly so when you have an important goal -- like getting pregnant -- in mind. That's why it's important to set milestones along the way. If you're overweight and trying to to get pregnant, start with the goal of losing just 5 percent of your weight. Then aim for 10 percent. Short-term goals are more attainable and can help keep you motivated.

Most of the women in the study had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which can make weight loss more difficult. If you have PCOS and have had difficulty losing weight in the past, ask your doctor for advice. But healthy eating and exercise are necessary for everyone who's trying to lose weight, and they're particularly important for women on the verge of getting pregnant. Check out AOL Health for weight loss tips that work.

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Comments (5)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

ןidoz 7-03-2009 @ 11:09AM

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Monika M. Woolsey 7-03-2009 @ 11:12AM

Two very important things you forgot to mention: Overweight women with PCOS who change their eating habits can become pregnant before they lose significant weight. We at inCYST see it happen pretty regularly. Secondly, up to 70% of women with PCOS are NOT overweight. So if you're having trouble becoming pregnant and you're not overweight...don't let the doctor rule out that possibility. "lean" "PCOS" is one of the most common search word combos bringing people to our blog, because we regularly address it.

Caroline 7-04-2009 @ 7:44AM

Thanks for this post. Weight is a huge problem for so many- it is frustrating. The one thing that our whole family loves so much is the Vidazorb probiotic. We all began taking it once it helped our son with his allergies and Eczema. It has been amazing in our life. Since then, I have read so many great studies on how probiotics help our bodies and one of them is weight management! This has just been one of the benefits for us in taking a probiotic with such power! Caroline

gjenner 7-20-2009 @ 10:01PM

Interesting information. I have a dear friend who is fighting infertility right now.

I have another good friend who struggled with infertility for a long time. She was also a vegetarian and when one of her doctors recommended she try eating red meat, she didn't know what to think. She started eating it 2 x a week and I'm happy to report that she and I delivered our babies one month apart, to the day. She was lacking several essential minerals apparently and beef packs a lot of them.

I want to add that as someone who believes in good health but is also a cattle rancher's wife, I found this especially intriguing.

We raise natural prime beef and I wish women would realize the good punch it provides for pregnancy, nursing women, teen girls, and young children. New research confirms it increases cognitive growth and sustains kids' good health. It even fights obesity and provides CLA, which is now known to be powerful in fighting cancer.

So much bad stuff has been written about beef, it's good to finally begin reading about its benefits. It's also a great environmental tool and a natural recycler/fire retardant. God's great animal!

check out my blog:
whatsthebeeffromsouptonuts.blogspot.com

Gwen 7-05-2009 @ 12:10AM

I have PCOS and am 37. After losing a bit of weight through a low GI diet and exercise, I'm pregnant. Plus, a lot of the horribly sucky symptoms of the PCOS have vanished.