Obesity is a condition in which your body stores excess fat, which deteriorates an individual’s quality of life on the one hand and makes him vulnerable to multiple health problems from heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, breathing problems, and body aches, And osteoporosis, and even depression, are some of the conditions he is exposed to.
According to the World Health Organization, it said earlier that obesity has reached epidemic levels globally, and it has an impact on women’s reproductive health as well? According to the site Onlymyhealth
does it affect Obesity on women’s reproductive health?
Obesity is generally measured according to the body mass index (BMI). It is the ratio of a person’s weight (in kilograms) to their height (in square metres), the normal BMI lies in the range of 18.5 and 24.9, which is ideal for pregnancy, according to studies, women with a BMI above 29 are less likely to become pregnant with the higher the number, the lower their chances of pregnancy. In particular:
BMI of 30 and above: Obese
BMI 40 and above: excessively obese
It is clear that obesity has a detrimental effect on a woman’s fertility, such as:
Ovulation disorder
Obesity causes a hormonal imbalance which affects ovulation. This happens because when you are obese, your body has more fat stores. These fat stores secrete estrogen, which is the female sex hormone. Your body confuses excessive estrogen with pregnancy and thus stops ovulation
irregular menstruation
Gaining or losing weight can have both positive and negative effects on your menstrual cycle, for example, it can make your period irregular and vice versa. It depends on where you started and how much weight you have gained or lost.
Increase the chances of miscarriage
Women who are overweight have a 29% higher chance of miscarriage than women with a normal BMI. The risk for obese women is 73%.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Obesity is closely related to PCOS, a condition that affects women’s reproductive health. PCOS is characterized by irregular periods, excessive secretion of male sex hormones, excessive growth of facial hair, weight gain, and even infertility.
What to do to lose weight
A healthy weight is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Lowering your BMI by 1 to 2 points can make a difference. What you should do:
Talk to the doctor: About a weight loss plan that fits your body and pregnancy goals.
Lose weight before planning to become pregnant: If you are overweight or obese, lose weight before planning to become pregnant. Losing 10-15% of weight can improve fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant without any medication or treatment.
Eat a balanced diet: Prepare your meals so that they contain enough vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Consume enough leafy greens, salads, and high-quality protein.
Consult a fertility specialist: to access your health status and chances of conception.
Check your partner’s health: Not just your health, obesity can affect your partner’s fertility as well. It can reduce the quality and quantity of his sperm, affecting pregnancy. Hence, his health is just as important as your health when trying to conceive.
