Obesity and infertility: how can weight reduction improve your chances of pregnancy?
Obesity and infertility: how can weight reduction improve your chances of pregnancy?

Summary/Abstract: Background: Infertility and obesity are growing health concerns both in Poland and globally. Obesity, as a chronic disease, adversely affects the functioning of the neuroendocrine system and metabolism, which can lead to impaired fertility.Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to compile and organize current knowledge on the impact of obesity on female fertility and to assess the effectiveness of various therapeutic strategies used in overweight and obese women.Material and methods: This analysis was based on a literature review of sources from PubMed, the National Institute of Mental Health, and Google Scholar. Three independent reviewers included 69 studies, excluding those without full-text availability, those not directly related to the topic, and those of low methodological quality.Results: Obesity impairs fertility through multiple mechanisms, including disruption of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, chronic inflammation, and alterations in the microbiome. These factors negatively affect oocyte maturation, menstrual regularity, and the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies. Weight loss, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery significantly improve fertility, ovulation rates, and pregnancy outcomes.Conclusions: Obesity is a significant contributor to female infertility. Hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation play a key role in reducing oocyte quality. Weight reduction, particularly through comprehensive interventions, is an effective strategy for improving fertility outcomes in overweight and obese women.

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