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Fertility 101

Obesity does not only affect one’s looking, but also impact her conception

2020-06-22    528


  When it comes to summer, lots of women will start their “weight loss plan”. Although it’s not necessary to be too slim, it’s not good to weight too much either.

  The study found that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and even cancer. Obese women are three times more likely to develop infertility than women at normal weight; and obese women shows a decline in fertility in both natural conception and IVF treatment.

  Compared to patients with normal BMI, patients with a BMI of 25 or higher are more likely to have less eggs and embryos, reduced clinical pregnancy rates and increased rates of early miscarriage. The greater the level of obesity, the greater the effect on the outcome of pregnancy.



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    Effect of Obesity on Ovarian Function

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  Obese patients may have elevated androgen levels in the body, causing insulin resistance which affects follicle development and leads to increased follicular atresia; Besides, adipocyte contains aromatase that may lead to higher estrogen levels in the body and inhibit the release of FSH, further resulting in ovulation disorder.

  Effect of Obesity on Egg Quality

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  The accumulated fat affects the environment where ovarian follicles develop, which will adversely affect the development of eggs. An excessive amount of radicals will damage the mitochondria of the oocytes, reduce the quality of eggs, affect the potential of embryo development, and tend to increase the risk of miscarriage.

   Effect of Obesity on Embryo Implantation

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  Endometrium acceptance of embryo implantation and continual development is the first step in obtaining a pregnancy. The synchronization in the developments of embryo and endometrium is a necessary condition for successful implantation. Abnormal endometrium metamorphosis in obese patients will lead to abnormal intrauterine and embryonic development, thus reducing the implantation rate and pregnancy rate in obese patients.

  If the endometrium metamorphosis is abnormal, it will affect the formation of placenta, resulting in abnormal placental position and increased incidence of hypertension during pregnancy. In addition, a large number of inflammatory factors secreted by adipocyte in obese patients lead to increased rejection of the embryo by endometrium, which affects the embryo's implantation and continued pregnancy.

  Increased Difficulty to Perform Vaginal Ultrasound for Obese Patients

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  Patients are expected to undergo several ultrasounds during the stimulation cycle. Since there is more fat accumulated in obese patients, it will increase the difficulty in performing a vaginal ultrasound. The pelvic organs and follicles won’t present a clear image for obese patients, which might require additional pressure on abdomen in some cases and cause great discomfort to patients.

  The egg retrieval operations are currently conducted via vaginal ultrasound. The thick fatty layer will make the retrieval process difficult and increase the risk of bleedings.

  How to Lose Weight in A Scientific Way?

  Diet structure & eating habits

  1. Don’t be on a diet 2. Balance nutrition intake

  3. Have reasonable amount of fruits 4. Drink more water

  5.less oil/salt/sugar intake 6. Eat small meals and more often

  7. chew slowly 8. Breakfast is a must

  Workouts

  You may refer to the FITT principle. FITT stands for frequency, intensity, time, and type of training. It will help you get the best out of your workouts.

  FITT Principle:

  3-5 times per week

  Exercise intensity ranges from low to high. It’s important to form a habit and keep it going.

  30-60 minutes per time is suggested. It can be prolonged as you get used to it

  Choose convenient and easy exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, cycling and swimming etc.

  It’s possible to effectively manage the weight by adjusting the diet structure and improving lifestyle. Some patients will resume regular menstruation cycle and ovulation by getting rid of weight by 5%-10%.