Published on: 6/12/2025
Do overweight women have more trouble getting pregnant?
Yes, overweight women can have more trouble getting pregnant due to how extra weight affects their body and hormones.
Explanation
Being overweight can make it harder for women to get pregnant. This is because extra weight can change how a woman’s body works.
How Weight Affects Fertility
- Hormone Changes: Extra weight can change hormone levels, which can affect a woman's menstrual cycle and ovulation.
- Ovulation Problems: Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary. If this doesn’t happen regularly, it can be harder to get pregnant.
Health Impact
- Insulin Resistance: Being overweight can lead to insulin resistance, which affects how the body uses sugar and can impact fertility.
- Inflammation: Extra fat can cause inflammation in the body, which can also affect fertility.
In summary, being overweight can change many things in the body that are important for getting pregnant. It's important for women who are trying to get pregnant to talk with their healthcare provider about their weight and overall health.
(References)
- Broughton DE, & Moley KH. (2017). Obesity and female infertility: potential mediators .... Fertility and sterility, 28292619.
- Brewer CJ, & Balen AH. (2010). The adverse effects of obesity on conception and .... Reproduction (Cambridge, England), 20395425.
- Dağ ZÖ, & Dilbaz B. (2015). Impact of obesity on infertility in women. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association, 26097395.
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