(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Soaring levels of obesity in the modern world are expected to trigger a major new infertility crisis among women.
Obesity is a price some of us pay for modern society’s prosperity says Dr Betty John Consultant Gynaecologist Zulekha Hospital Sharjah.
Being overweight affects everything. One of them is being infertile. Soaring levels of obesity in the modern world are expected to trigger a major new infertility crisis among women.
How can you judge if you are overweight or obese You need to measure your BMI or Body Mass Index. A standard medical definition of ‘normal’ body weight is a BMI of about 18.5-24.9. A BMI under 18.5 indicates that the person is ‘underweight.’
A BMI of 25.0 - 29.9 indicates that the individual is ‘overweight’ but not obese. A BMI over 30 indicates obesity. A BMI over 40 indicates extreme obesity. Waist circumference is also used to help identify whether someone is overweight or not. Figures show that if you are trying to get pregnant and you are officially overweight then you are reducing your chances of conceiving a baby by nearly 10 per cent.
Women who have a body mass index of 35 are 26 per cent less likely to conceive a child than those with a BMI of 21 to 29. Furthermore the chance of conception in women with a BMI of 40 is 43 per cent lower than women with normal weight.
Obesity is associated with irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles an ovulation PCOD increased risk of infertility less success with fertility treatments. In addition to these problems obesity also increases the risks of miscarriages high blood pressure and diabetes during the pregnancy.
The two most common problems are excess estrogen and polycystic ovaries (PCOS). Along with both of these is a greater chance of a luteal phase defect (LPD). Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) a complex condition where there is a hormone imbalance that can shut down ovulation.
Sufferers of PCOS have multiple cysts in their ovaries which then produce large amounts of androgen and estrogenic hormones. Symptoms include irregular or missed periods infertility excess hair acne and insulin resistance which can make them more prone to diabetes. Obesity doesn’t cause PCOS but it exacerbates it.
Obesity has also been associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss after IVF decreased pregnancy rates and decreased fertilisation. Women with obesity are more likely to have Female Sexual dysfunction (FSD) which is defined as disorders of libido arousal and orgasm as well as sexual pain that leads to personal distress or interpersonal difficulties.
Tips
Eat Healthy -Wise up on Nutrition: It’s important to follow a nutrient-packed balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables whole grains and lean protein to boost your fertility. Furthermore you will need all the vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables to prepare your body for carrying a fetus.
Exercise Regularly: Exercise is important in strengthening your bones toning your muscles and shedding unwanted fat.
Take Supplements: Folic acid
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