http://usfertilitynetwork.com (877) 977-2959 Obesity and infertility in women 2/3 of the US is either overweight or obese. You calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. A healthy BMI is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. Having a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered ‘overweight’ and a BMI over 30 is considered ‘obese’. Obesity and ovulation Obesity is a known risk factor for ovulation problems. Obese women typically need increased levels of hormone medications to facilitate ovulation for conception. It used to be thought that if an obese woman was able to ovulate ok, then the chance of conception was normal. We now know this is NOT true. Obesity and infertility Studies are now showing a link between obesity and infertility even in women who ovulate normally. Van der Steeg et al – 3029 couples. (Human Reproduction) Obesity – BMI over 30 Severe obesity – BMI over 40. Obesity and infertility BMI = 35 – 26% less likely to achieve spontaneous pregnancy. BMI over 40 = 43% less likely to get pregnant. The link is known, but the why is not. Authors thought maybe hormone leptin is involved. Obesity and infertility Obesity is also associated with PCOS, which is a common cause of infertility. Excess estrogen is also a common problem in obese women. This can make one’s body think it is on birth control. Obese women have miscarriage rate that is double that of those with healthy weight. Obesity and infertility Obese women take longer to conceive than women in the healthy weight range. When they do conceive they have a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, diabetes and premature birth. Nationwide fertility centers US Fertility Network offers top fertility centers nationwide. All of which are members of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and offer a 15% discount on treatment. Visit usfertilitynetwork.com and call us at (877) 977-2959 today!