Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Obesity one of the causes for infertility among women

Thiruvananthapuram: Obesity, stress and lifestyle changes are wreaking havoc with the reproductive health of women.

Women seem to be paying a higher price for lifestyle changes than men. Gynaecologists report that women with metabolic and reproductive problems have one common factor, a high percentage of body fat. Stress is another factor which takes a toll on the reproductive health of women.

“Obesity has far more consequences for women than men because apart from metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risks, it also affects their reproductive health adversely.

The first step in infertility treatment for many women now is weight reduction,” says Sheila Balakrishnan, Associate Professor of Gynaecology at SAT hospital, who is also in charge of the infertility clinic here.

About 30-40 per cent of women who go for infertility treatment are obese, she says. “The ability to conceive spontaneously is reduced by obesity.

Obesity also affects pregnancy outcome as related conditions like hypertension or gestational diabetes present increased risk for the mother as well as the baby,” she points out.

Stress creates fluctuations in hormone levels in women, making it difficult for them to conceive.

One’s eating and sleep patterns too are affected by stress. Some binge while others tend to eat more comfort foods like chocolate or finger chips when they are depressed, thus fuelling obesity.

“Young women professionals put off childbearing initially after marriage as they want to pursue their career. Long working hours, project deadlines and overseas assignments take a toll.

As the biological clock ticks away, pressure mounts on women to conceive quickly.

For many, we advise lifestyle changes like healthier diets and regular exercise before any treatment,” Dr. Sheila says.

Obese women generally have irregular menstrual cycles and many do not ovulate properly.

About 70 per cent of obese adolescent girls and women are found to have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is the forerunner to other lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension and is a major cause of infertility.

Some 20 years ago, doctors focussed on PCOS as an ovarian disease.

Only recently was it recognised as a metabolic disorder, rooted in factors like sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns.

“Many obese women have associated metabolic problems and PCOS, which pose complications for doctors while deciding on suitable treatment.

“We tell them that lifestyle changes should precede medical treatment,” says N.S. Sridevi, consultant gynaecologist, Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode.

It is not necessary that all obese women should have PCOS. But even if women have just excess body fat and has not been diagnosed with PCOS, insulin resistance goes up, androgen (male hormones) levels go up and these can affect their ability to conceive.

A recent survey done among women coming to the infertility clinic in SAT hospital revealed that about 60 per cent of them had high insulin resistance levels.

Simple lifestyle changes are enough to restore the hormone balance and help such women conceive, doctors point out.

Even as little as a five per cent reduction in body weight has been found to be effective in kick-starting ovulation and improving metabolic markers.

Doctors are now focussing on encouraging lifestyle changes in adolescent girls.

Eating breakfast regularly, healthier eating patterns and most importantly, getting started on an exercise regime – jogging, swimming, yoga, aerobics or just walking for 45 minutes daily – are important for women to preserve their reproductive health.

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Obesity one of the causes for infertility among women

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