Before Conceiving, This Couple Lost a Combined Total of 71 Kgs

“Every month, I’d take a pregnancy test hoping to see two lines, but every result came back negative,” Kristine Jenica Soriano, 32, opens up to Smart Parenting.

“At the same time, I noticed my weight steadily increasing until I reached my heaviest at 75 kgs. My periods became irregular and eventually stopped for four months. In November 2025, I decided to commit to a healthy lifestyle fully. I lost a total of 16 kgs. Then came June 2026. One day, I suddenly realized I had missed my period. At first, I didn’t think much of it because irregular cycles had become so normal for me. But I also started developing food aversions, which felt different. So I took a pregnancy test. It was positive! I was in complete shock,” she recalled.

It's a story familiar to many women–one stops focusing on getting pregnant and starts focusing on the 'balik alindog program’—and then conceives.

While it may sound like a happy coincidence, there's science behind it.

Research shows that women who followed a healthy diet and exercise program were nearly twice as likely to become pregnant and more than twice as likely to have a live birth than women who received little or no lifestyle intervention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Lifestyle intervention–such as healthy diet, physical activity, and tobacco cessation–are recommended for individuals and couples planning or attempting pregnancy.“

Scientists have long studied the link between obesity and female infertility. A study shows that carrying excess weight can affect fertility in several ways, including disrupting the body's reproductive hormones. One of the most important systems involved is the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation. When a woman has obesity, the brain may release reproductive hormones differently, making ovulation less regular and reducing the chances of becoming pregnant.

But it's important to remember that weight loss is not a guaranteed cure for infertility, nor is every fertility struggle caused by weight.

“My story started in 2022 when I met my now-husband. He’s been in the fitness industry since high school, and when we met, he encouraged me to start going to the gym and finally build muscle. I didn’t hesitate because it had always been something I wanted to do; I just didn’t know where or how to start. But we weren’t exactly living a healthy lifestyle. We ate whatever we wanted— fast food, junk food, sweets, and sugary drinks. We exercised, but our nutrition didn’t match our goals,” Jenica shares.

“In 2023, we got married, and by early 2024, we decided we were ready to start trying to conceive,” she adds. But for the next two years, they would only get a negative after negative pregnancy test results. Not only that, she noticed that she was gaining weight to a point that her periods would become irregular. A check-up with an OB-GYN would later reveal a diagnosis: PMOS, which was known as PCOS back then. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, fertility, metabolism, and menstrual cycles in women of reproductive age.

“I was heartbroken,” Jenica recalls. “Like many women, the first thing I did was search online. Everywhere I looked, I kept reading that PCOS could make it difficult to lose weight and get pregnant. It made me wonder if I’d ever get the chance to become a mother.”

After nearly two years of trying everything—from following PCOS-friendly diets to taking supplements—without success, hope began to fade for Jenica. But in 2025, everything changed when her husband's worsening health became the wake-up call that prompted them to make lasting lifestyle changes.

“He made a complete lifestyle change. He committed to regular strength training and started eating clean. Just one month later, he repeated his blood tests, and all his results had returned to normal. Watching his health improve inspired me more than anything else. Today, he has lost an incredible 55 kg,” Jenica proudly shares the fitness journey of her husband, Van Gabriel Soriano, 31 years old.

She continued, “In November 2025, I decided to fully commit as well. We embraced a low-carb lifestyle combined with intermittent fasting. We stayed consistent, supported each other, and focused on building healthy habits instead of chasing quick fixes. The results slowly followed.”

Jenica lost 16 kgs.

“I felt healthier, stronger, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like my body was working with me instead of against me,” she said.

In June 2026, what initially seemed like another irregular cycle turned into a surprise. After noticing food aversions and taking a pregnancy test, she was shocked to discover that she was pregnant. She was trying to get her body back in shape and got two pink lines instead!

“The funny thing is, by then we weren’t actively tracking ovulation or stressing over every cycle anymore. We had shifted our focus to becoming healthier instead of obsessing over getting pregnant. That’s why seeing those two lines came as such a beautiful surprise,” Jenica shared.

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Success doesn't always come from individual effort. Having a partner, family member, or loved one who shares the entire journey can provide motivation, accountability, encouragement, and practical support.

Jenica realized, “One thing this journey taught us is that pregnancy isn’t just the woman’s responsibility; it’s a partnership. It’s not 50/50; it’s both partners giving 100%. While I was working on improving my health, my husband was doing the same. He committed to becoming healthier, not just for himself, but for our future family. We learned that preparing for pregnancy starts even before conception, and that includes the health of both partners.”

“I’ve also been incredibly grateful for how my pregnancy has been so far. I’m now 12 weeks pregnant,” she said. “Looking back, changing our lifestyle didn’t just transform our bodies; it transformed our lives. My husband regained his health, I regained confidence in my body, and together we were blessed with the greatest gift we could have ever asked for.”

“Our story isn’t simply about losing weight to get pregnant. It’s about two people choosing each other every single day, choosing a healthier life together, and unexpectedly being rewarded with the greatest blessing of all. I know I’m the one carrying our baby, but in so many ways, it’s my husband who’s carrying us through this journey. And now, we can’t wait to meet our little one finally,” she concluded.

Research suggests that even modest weight loss can improve metabolic health and help some women begin ovulating more regularly, particularly those with obesity and PCOS/PMOS. Lifestyle changes—including healthier eating habits, regular physical activity, and better sleep—remain the first-line recommendation before fertility treatments for many women.

However, it’s not as simple as the idea that the mom trying to conceive “should lose weight, and she’ll get pregnant.” Studies show that excess weight doesn't just affect women's fertility—it can also impact men's reproductive health. Obesity has also been linked to men’s hormonal imbalances, erectile dysfunction, and other health conditions that may reduce fertility.

The good news is that adopting a healthier lifestyle can make a difference. For men who are overweight or obese, losing weight may help improve both sperm count and sperm quality. Experts recommend working toward a healthier weight at least three months before trying to conceive, as sperm take about three months to develop. Maintaining healthy habits during this period can support the production of healthier sperm and may increase the chances of conception.

At the end of the day, although lifestyle changes can impact one’s chances of conceiving, fertility still depends on many factors, including age, egg and sperm quality, and other underlying medical conditions. A proper fertility evaluation can identify the real cause and guide appropriate treatment. Overall, losing weight shouldn't be viewed as a test you have to pass before becoming a mother. Instead, let’s view it as an investment in yourself and your health.

Trying to conceive? This couple waited 11 years to welcome their first child.