Obesity and assisted reproduction

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Obesity Medicine
• Human Reproduction

Background:

• Obesity, defined as excessive fat accumulation harmful to health, significantly impacts general and reproductive well-being.
• An increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among women seeking infertility treatment is observed globally.
• Obesity is a key factor in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis, affecting 40-70% of patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the detrimental effects of obesity on fertility and assisted reproduction outcomes in both women and men.
• To highlight the association between obesity, pregnancy complications, and reduced success rates in infertility treatments.
• To underscore the importance of informing patients about these risks.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating obesity's impact on human fertility.
• Analysis of data linking body mass index to reproductive health outcomes.
• Examination of mechanisms affecting spermatogenesis and oocyte quality in obese individuals.

Main Results:

• Obesity is linked to reduced fertility, increased miscarriage rates (even with donated oocytes), and pregnancy complications.
• In men, obesity affects sperm production through thermal effects, hormonal imbalances, and epigenetic changes.
• Assisted reproduction outcomes are negatively influenced by obesity in both sexes.

Conclusions:

• Overweight and obese individuals experience diminished fertility and poorer outcomes with assisted reproductive technologies.
• Informed counseling regarding health, obstetric, and treatment success risks is crucial for overweight/obese patients.
• Addressing obesity is vital for improving reproductive health and assisted reproduction efficacy.