Diminished paternity and gonadal function with increasing obesity in men.
Eric M Pauli1, Richard S Legro, Laurence M Demers
1Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. epauli@hmc.psu.edu
Fertility and Sterility
|February 23, 2008
Summary
Male obesity negatively impacts reproductive function, leading to reduced testosterone, FSH, and inhibin B levels. This study highlights obesity as an infertility factor in men, affecting their reproductive capacity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Andrology
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Male obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Obesity is linked to various health issues, including potential impacts on reproductive health.
- Understanding the specific effects of obesity on male reproductive function is crucial for fertility management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between male obesity and key markers of reproductive function.
- To determine how body mass index (BMI) and body fat distribution correlate with hormonal profiles and semen quality.
- To assess the impact of obesity on paternity rates in adult men.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted at an academic medical center.
- Eighty-seven adult men with a wide range of BMIs (16.1–47.0 kg/m²) participated.
- Reproductive history, physical examination, hormone levels (inhibin B, FSH, LH, T, unbound T), and semen analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Increased BMI showed negative correlations with testosterone, FSH, and inhibin B levels, and a positive correlation with estradiol (E2) levels.
- Testosterone levels were also negatively correlated with skinfold thickness.
- No significant correlation was found between BMI or skinfold thickness and semen analysis parameters; however, inhibin B correlated with sperm motility. Men with children had lower BMIs and skinfold thickness than those without.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is identified as a significant factor contributing to infertility in otherwise healthy men.
- Obese men exhibit signs of relative hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
- Reduced inhibin B levels and lower paternity rates in obese men suggest compromised reproductive capacity.
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