How does excessive weight impact fertility in men?

Learn about the effects of weight on male fertility and how to control it by reading this article by Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Ghaziabad

The link between weight and fertility is not unknown. Excessive body weight can have many adverse effects on our overall health, including reproductive health and fertility. Men are not immune to these effects either. According to a study, the risk of infertility increases in men by 10% with every additional 10 kg of excess weight.

“Many men will be astonished to know that their weight can have an effect on their chances of fathering a child. Being overweight or obese in men can cause infertility, be it partially or completely. This increases the difficulties in conception as well as the risk of complications in pregnancy,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, leading IVF specialist, Founder & Director of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Delhi.

How does obesity affect male fertility?

Here is how obesity and male infertility are linked:

1. “Studies show that men with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) have lower sperm count compared to others. They are also found to have poorer quality sperm, which includes poor sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology,” says Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF center in Ghaziabad.
2. Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances by turning testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. Low levels of testosterone in a man’s body cause testicles to produce less sperm.
3. “In men who are overweight, the scrotum stays close to the body which leads to increase in the temperature of the tissues surrounding the scrotum. This can cause testicular inflammation and damage the sperm,” says Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at the best IVF clinic in Indirapuram – Gunjan IVF World.
4. Excess body weight is also related to multiple other issues like erectile dysfunction, systemic inflammation, etc.
5. Obesity in men reduces the chances of both normal pregnancy and IVF pregnancy and increases the risks of complications and miscarriages.

How does one maintain a healthy weight?

Being within a healthy weight range is beneficial for one’s health, including their fertility. And to reach that healthy weight goal, one needs to change their diet and improve their lifestyle.

1. Change in diet: A healthy diet is an absolute when it comes to maintaining a healthy BMI. Eat foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can improve sperm quality, increasing fertility. Eat more fruits and vegetables to lose weight. Avoid processed foods; they are filled with preservatives, which can make you fat. Replace unhealthy animal fats with healthy fats and red meats with lean meats. Minimise intake of sugar also,” says Dr. Shubhda Gupta, renowned Gynae in Noida, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Noida.
2. Exercises: “Indulging in activities like cycling, walking, yoga can help reduce weight and also improve the quality of sperm. Light workouts can also help with losing weight. Excessive heavy workouts can be harmful for testicles and sperm, so remember not to overdo it if you’re planning to have a child,” says Dr. Garima Sharma, Gynaecologist Janakpuri, Consultant at the best IVF center in Janakpuri, Delhi – Gunjan IVF World.

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