Overweight or obese women have slimmer chances of successful In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and an increased risk of premature birth and stillbirth, according to a recent study reported in the Metro dated 20 Oct.

The research indicated that the most obese mothers had 35% less chances of falling pregnant and twice as likely to give birth to a premature baby.

Females who are overweight were also at risk with 13% less likely to conceive and a 16% increased risk of premature birth compared to lighter women.

The study involved nearly 50,000 women who were grouped according to their body mass index (BMI).

More than one in four Britons is now thought to be obese and that figure rises year by year. About 3.5 million people in Britain experience fertility problems at some stage, and most National Health Service (NHS) hospitals will not fund fertility treatment for women who are considered obese according to their BMI reading.

The British Fertility Society recommended two years ago that women who were defined as clinically obese should not receive fertility treatment until they had lost weight.

“This study underlines the fact that if you are thinking about having children, you should start thinking about losing weight at least six months before you conceive,” said Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum.

Dr Barbara Luke, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, who led the study said: “Obesity is a state of inflammation and increasing obesity is not good. It is not conducive to conception and it is not conducive to pregnancy.”

Overweight and obese women, who are planning to opt for the IVF treatment, should consider incorporating exercise and healthy eating habits. At Esteem Fitness, we can provide personal training and nutritional advice, to ensure your desired results is achievable. Our personal training is catered to people in London, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

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