Childhood adiposity and fertility difficulties: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Adult obesity is associated with infertility; however, childhood obesity has received little consideration.

The present study sought to evaluate the impact of childhood adiposity on fertility.

Associations between childhood adiposity and self-reported fertility difficulties were estimated among women participating in a long-term study of cardiovascular risks and reproductive health (n = 1061).

Participants with obesity between ages 9 and 12 were more likely to report fertility difficulties (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.82, 95% CI 1.17-2.82) and inability to become pregnant when trying (aRR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.22-3.08) as were those with obesity prior to age 9 (aRR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.97). Similar associations were seen among those ever overweight or obese in childhood. High subscapular skinfold thickness (age < 12) increased risk of receiving help becoming pregnant (aRR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.15-4.06), inability to become pregnant (aRR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.05-2.04) and any fertility difficulties (aRR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13-2.14); associations for triceps skinfold were attenuated. Participants with increased adiposity also had fewer pregnancies and live births. Effects persisted, excluding women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This study supports an association between childhood adiposity and infertility, not solely driven by polycystic ovarian syndrome.