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Infertility Treatment in Women with Obesity

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The rising prevalence of obesity has focused attention on its impact on gynecologic health, especially on fertility. Recent research has sought to understand the relationship of excess body fat on reproductive outcomes. Although it has become clear that obesity has detrimental effects on fertility, the effects of obesity-focused infertility treatments are not well established. This article examines the interplay of obesity with fertility treatment and reviews the most recent evidence on how weight loss treatments impact reproductive outcomes.

Recent Findings

Although weight loss can improve ovulatory dysfunction, the sum of evidence does not show improved birth rates or ART outcomes. For those with PCOS and obesity, bariatric surgery may play a role in improving both natural conception rates and ART outcomes. Physical activity has also been shown to improve ART outcomes regardless of BMI or weight loss achievement.

Summary

Weight loss may be useful in improving fecundity though recent research suggests that ART treatment should not be delayed for the purpose of achieving weight loss. Physical activity is a useful tool to improve ART outcomes and natural conception in women across the BMI spectrum. The optimal approach to ART treatment in women with obesity is not well established and no guidelines exist to answer this question. Future research should aim to elucidate strategies for improving natural fertility and ART outcomes in women with obesity. Studies should focus on optimizing ART to maximize positive outcomes in this population.

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  1. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, United States

    Miriam A. Andrusier, Rajesh Reddy & Elizabeth S. Ginsburg

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Andrusier, M.A., Reddy, R. & Ginsburg, E.S. Infertility Treatment in Women with Obesity. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 12, 122–128 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-023-00360-z

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