Does being overweight affect seminal variables in fertile men?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Obesity is a growing global health concern.
• Increasing body mass index (BMI) is linked to various health issues.
• The impact of overweight and obesity on male fertility requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of being overweight and obese on seminal variables in fertile men.
• To investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and sperm parameters.
• To determine the relationship between BMI, seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sperm DNA fragmentation.

Main Methods:

• 165 fertile men were categorized into normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²), and obese (BMI >30 kg/m²) groups.
• Semen analysis included sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
• Seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS), sperm vitality, and sperm DNA fragmentation were measured.

Main Results:

• Obese men exhibited significantly lower sperm concentration, progressive motility, and normal morphology compared to normal-weight men (P < 0.05).
• Obese men had significantly higher seminal ROS and sperm DNA fragmentation than normal-weight and overweight men (P < 0.05).
• BMI showed negative correlations with sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality, and positive correlations with DNA fragmentation and seminal ROS (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Increased BMI negatively affects semen parameters in fertile men.
• Obesity is associated with reduced sperm quality and increased oxidative stress.
• Weight management may be crucial for maintaining male reproductive health.