Does body weight affect fertility? Here's what you should know

Maintaining an ideal body weight cannot be overemphasised, as being overweight or underweight can adversely affect fertility in both men and women. An unhealthy body weight can result in hormone imbalance and problems with ovulation in women. Studies have found that the chances of obese women having menstrual irregularities and ovulation issues are two times higher compared to women with a healthy body weight.

According to a research conducted in 2025, close to 75 per cent of women who underwent infertility treatment were either overweight or underweight. Men are also in the same boat regarding body weight and fertility. It has been found that obesity is the main reason for infertility among men globally. A dip in testosterone levels and low sperm quality can affect a man's fertility. Obesity can trigger hormonal imbalance and harm sperm production, leading to infertility.

Lifestyle changes can help in achieving an ideal body weight. A balanced diet along with five days of walking or running, and two days of resistance training in a week can contribute to maintaining hormonal balance. Never ever try to reduce weight in a jiffy. Instead, decrease body weight by following a strict regime over a period of time to regain reproductive health. Timely intervention and care would help many to ward off infertility and start a family.