The Obesity-Fertility Connection

The fact that weight gain affects fertility has long been established. However, the mechanism behind it continues to be studied, and the one common denominator that emerges from these studies is hormone imbalance. Repeatedly, science shows that obesity- defined by having a BMI measurement of 30 or above - disrupts normal hormonal balance, which directly influences a woman’s reproductive cycle and thus, her ability to conceive. And while one may think that only the reproductive hormones are involved, a variety of other hormones actually play key roles in regulating fertility.

Tipping the hormonal scales
Excess fat influences the production of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hormone that triggers the release of two other hormones essential for proper development of eggs: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). GnRH is also important for maintaining regular ovulation. When levels of any or a combination of these hormones are either too high or too low, fertility can be impacted negatively.

Furthermore, excess fat can create an estrogen imbalance. An overly-abundant supply of estrogen disrupts the normal function of ovaries, which can then affect the cycle and subsequently, lead to infertility.

The most commonly associated link between fertility and obesity is that of insulin resistance. High levels of the hormone insulin in the blood is a common feature of obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common cause of infertility among women. A number of studies have shown that women with insulin resistance typically have decreased rates of fertility, with most scientists theorizing that because the cells have become resistant to insulin, they then became “deaf” to signals that would tell the body to produce the hormones needed to maintain proper ovarian function, leading to infertility. This is why it became common practice to address insulin resistance before any other issue, with some fertility clinics even refusing to accept obese patients until they have lost some weight.

However, a study in 2010 has challenged this widespread belief, instead suggesting that while it’s still an important issue that needs to be addressed, insulin resistance alone is not the main culprit. Researchers in John Hopkins Children’s Center, led by Andrew Wolfe, Ph.D. have discovered that the pituitary gland- often dubbed the “master gland” of the body because it controls other glands and regulates the release and secretion of hormones critical for everyday function- played a major role in the mechanism that connected insulin resistance to infertility.

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Males are equally susceptible to infertility. Abnormal hormone levels resulting from excessive weight gain can lead to disruptions in sperm production and decreased semen quality. A report in Reproductive Biology Associates correlates a high BMI in men with decreased testosterone levels. The risk applies to both young and old men.

Calculating the risks
Critics caution against getting caught up in the numbers game. Many health experts point out the BMI is not an accurate measurement of fat, since the formula used to calculate BMI doesn’t take into consideration people with a lot of muscle. In other words, a woman who is fit with well-developed (though not necessarily big in size) muscles can have a high BMI, even though she has little body fat. Instead, most experts recommend focusing just on losing the excess fat by adopting a healthier lifestyle through better eating habits and staying physically active.

Long-term burdens on Baby
Even if pregnancy is achieved, obese women still carry increased risk during and after pregnancy such as complications and possibly, miscarriages. A 2008 study from Stanford University’s School of Medicine has found that overweight women are at greater risk of miscarrying during the early stages of pregnancy compared to women who maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, being overweight may impact the fertility of your own children, as a study at Yale University School of Medicine in 2011 suggests.

Jumpstart your weightloss efforts, the healthy way.
Here are 5 natural products that may aid in weight-loss. It’s important to remember that these should be used in conjunction with, not as a substitute for, exercise and proper nutrition. (Caution: Some products may not be recommended during pregnancy or if nursing. Proper consultations with your doctor prior to using them is advised.)

1. 1-Shape botanical mix
It’s a healthy beverage rich in soy, grain fiber, American ginseng, fruits and vegetables that help in weight management and promote a healthy fiber-rich diet. It has no cholesterol, no caffeine and only has 74 calories per sachet. Extra Excel International, 23rd Floor Rufino Tower Makati. Visit www.excelphils.com.ph or call 811-0837 for inquiries.

2. Thermogreen Tea Capsules
An ephedrine-free product that stimulates thermogenesis (increasing temp to increase metabolism) without giving you the jitteriness, mood swings, heart palpitations, and other symptoms associated with stimulants. Healthy Options Retail Store, visit www.healthyoptions.com.ph.

3. Triple Tea Fat Burner Soft Gels
A powerful combination of white, green, and black tea extracts to help metabolize fats and provide antioxidant protection. One of the most powerful tea blends to provide fat-burning power. Health Express Retail Store, visit www.healthexpressph.com

4. Shake Down Meal Replacement Shake
This shake not only contains whey protein to increase energy and give your body much needed protein, but it also contains minerals and vitamins that help keep you full longer. Comes in either Vanilla or Chocolate Flavor. Drink A.C.T Office, G/F Philam Life Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati

5. Calorie Quencher Tablets
Contains fat-flushing ingredients intended to help speed up weight loss when combined with your weightloss regimen of diet and exercise. It’s free of preservatives, and has no sugar, starch, gluten, soy, corn, wheat, dairy and egg products- a good choice for those with strict dietary needs.  Healthy Options Retail Store, visit www.healthyoptions.com.ph.

Photo from oprah.com