Can weight loss affect IVF success? Doctor explains how body weight may influence fertility treatment outcomes

Trying to improve your IVF chances? Here's what the doctor says about weight loss before fertility treatment.

For many couples who struggle to conceive naturally, IVF offers hope. But your overall health, particularly your weight, may also play a role in your chances for success. This does not mean that everyone undergoing IVF needs to lose weight, but if they are overweight and living with obesity, working towards a healthier weight before treatment could improve fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and overall health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Parul Prakash, head-reproductive medicine, Artemis Hospitals, explains the link between weight and fertility treatment.

How can weight impact IVF?

Dr Parul highlighted that being overweight can affect hormones, ovulation and the way the body responds to fertility medications. Obese women may need higher doses of the stimulation drugs and sometimes produce fewer high-quality eggs. “Being overweight is also associated with insulin resistance and inflammation, which can both impact egg quality and make it more difficult for an embryo to implant successfully,” said Dr Parul. Excess weight in men can also lead to lower sperm count, motility and DNA quality that also affect IVF outcomes.

Excess weight in men can also lead to lower sperm count, motility and DNA quality that also affect IVF outcomes. (Unsplash)

According to Dr Parul, even a small weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of body weight can lead to major health improvements. It can help to regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, improve metabolic health, and improve the body’s response to fertility treatment. In some cases, a healthy lifestyle change may even allow natural conception.

Should you reduce weight before IVF?

Doctors warn against crash dieting or excessive exercise prior to IVF. Rapid weight loss can cause nutritional deficiencies and also increased stress and hormone imbalances that can negatively affect fertility. Gradual and sustainable weight loss through a balanced diet as well as regular physical activity, good sleep and stress management is the safest and most effective approach.

Dr Parul highlighted that it’s also important to remember that body weight is just one piece of the fertility picture. Success with IVF is greatly influenced by age, ovarian reserve, underlying medical conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders, sperm quality and the health of the embryo. People with higher body weight still have healthy pregnancies with IVF, and people with normal weight can also experience fertility problems.

Success with IVF is greatly influenced by age, ovarian reserve, underlying medical conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders. (Unsplash)

Doctors say patients should be concerned about overall health, not a number on the scale. Every fertility journey is unique, and treatment plans should always be individualised. Patients can work with a fertility specialist, nutritionist and other health care professionals to make safe lifestyle changes that support both IVF success and a healthy pregnancy.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.