Are you struggling to conceive? Unfortunately, you’re not alone— about 10% of women in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. And while there are many possible causes of infertility, one that’s often overlooked is weight problems. If you’re struggling with weight and trying to conceive, it’s important to be aware of the link between excess fat tissue and infertility so that you can get the help you need to improve your chances of becoming pregnant. I’ll briefly discuss this, including the mechanisms behind the link between weight issues and fertility problems and what you can do to increase your chances of conception.
What Should You Know About Obesity and Infertility?
Conceiving a child can be a complicated process, and there are many factors that can influence your fertility; one of these is your weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 72% of American women struggle with weight. And therefore, it’s not surprising that weight is one of the most common risk factors for infertility.
But what is the link between weight issues and infertility? Having extra weight can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can, in turn, interfere with ovulation. In addition, excess fat tissue can produce abnormal hormone signals that further disrupt ovulation. Fat tissue also produces inflammatory substances that can damage the eggs and make it more difficult for implantation to occur. This results in a decrease in the overall number of eggs available for fertilization and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Another mechanism causing issues with infertility due to excess weight is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that the body’s cells are less responsive to the hormone insulin, which can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood. This, in turn, can interfere with ovulation and implantation. All these factors and more contribute to not only fertility problems but an increased risk of miscarriage.
In addition, one of the other major problems for women with weight issues is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS accounts for at least every 3 out of 10 women who have problems with weight. Only about 40 to 60% of women with PCOS will have an abnormal ovarian ultrasound. It is estimated that over half of all women with PCOS are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Make sure you see a specialist to determine if you have PCOS or please contact me to get a consultation to determine if this is an issue for you.
How to Increase Your Chances of Conception?
Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of conception if you have weight problems:
1. Manage Your Weight
If you are trying to conceive, one of the best things you can do is to lose weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can improve your fertility. It is well known that just a 5% loss of your body weight can improve your chances of getting pregnant by decreasing inflammation, and insulin resistance and helping to regulate your hormones. Aim to lose weight gradually and go through the tips for creating a birth plan so that you can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
You can also choose to work with a healthcare professional to develop a weight loss plan that’s right for you. Trying holistic weight loss programs, like the ones I offer at my practice, can be a great place to start. I will work with you to develop a personalized plan that includes healthy eating and exercise, as well as stress-reduction techniques and other lifestyle changes. In my experience, this comprehensive approach of not only taking care of your physical health but also your emotional and mental health is the best way to lose weight in a sustainable way. You can also look at the Obesity Medicine Association website to find a clinician in your area if you are not in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho.
2. Get Regular Exercise
Exercise not only helps with weight loss, but it can also improve your fertility again by decreasing inflammation. So, if you’re trying to conceive, try to be more consistent with exercise. One study found that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day can improve your chances of getting pregnant. In addition to helping you lose weight, movement of any kind can also reduce stress hormones, which can improve your fertility.
If you’re not used to exercising, start off moving your body for just 5 minutes one to three times and week. Over time you will be able to do more and can increase the time or frequency in which you move. There are many different types of exercise you can do, so find something that you enjoy and that you can stick with. Walking and dancing are great for people who are trying to lose weight and improve their fertility. Lower impact exercises like biking and swimming work well for those with joint pain.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
Having a diet of low inflammation foods is really helpful to help weight loss and improve your chances of becoming pregnant. Focus on eating whole foods that are minimally processed, and avoid sugary drinks, processed meats, and refined carbs. Even changing just 1 or 2 meals a week can dramatically affect your inflammation. Don’t try to overhaul everything; just try 1 change at a time. You got this!
You can also add fertility-boosting foods to your diet, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, whole grains, and berries. These foods are not only packed with nutrients that are essential for fertility, but they can also help you decrease inflammation and lower blood pressure. Instead of restricting food, consider adding more varied and colorful fruits or veggies.
The Bottom Line
I hope this post has given you a better understanding of the link between obesity and infertility. If you’re trying to conceive, remember that it’s important you take care of your physical and emotional health. And, if you need help losing weight, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for women’s weight loss in Spokane and get started on your journey to better health today. Trust me; I will be with you every step of the way!
