Obesity and Reproductive Performance in Women

Abstract

Obesity and overweight are not only problem of developed nations but also an increasing problem in developing countries with health consequences. Studies have highlighted the link between obesity, infertility and adverse reproductive health outcome. Obesity contributes majorly to two most common medical risks in pregnancy: diabetes and hypertension. It is associated with increased risk of large-for-gestational age and hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, which may be associated with low birth weight. Combination of factors viz individual lifestyle, environmental and genetic play role in obesity. Weight loss has demonstrated to improve fertility in obese women through recovery of spontaneous ovulation, and improved response to ovarian stimulation in infertility treatment. Therefore, weight management interventions, should be considered for overweight and obese infertile women (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 143-151).

Key words: Obesity, reproductive health, fertility.