How BMI Affects Your IVF Treatment Success

Body mass index (BMI) may affect a woman’s chance of successful of infertility treatment, as fecundity was found to be lower in underweight and obese women undergoing IVF compared to those with normal body weight. Further, obese women were more likely to have IVF cycle cancellation, lower pregnancy, and live birth rates. Overweight men also had a lower likelihood of pregnancy compared to men of a normal weight.

Body mass index (BMI) is an approximate measure of your best weight for health. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared (m2).

For adults over 20 years old, BMI falls into one of the following categories:

Underweight and Fertility

When BMI is below 18.5, hormone imbalances that affect the ovulation and conception and menstrual disorders can reduce a woman's fertility. Compared to women in the healthy weight range, low weight women take more than a year to conceive. A dietician can help you gain weight by adjusting your diet.

Overweight and Fertility in Men

If your partner's BMI is more than 30, his fertility is likely to be lower than normal. This might be related to a combination of factors such as hormonal problems, erection problems and other health conditions linked to obesity.

Weight loss in overweight men can significantly increase total sperm count and quality. As sperm production takes about three months, reaching a healthier weight at least three months before IVF treatment can improve sperm health and the chance of conception.

Tips For a Healthier Weight Before IVF Treatment

• Starting a healthy diet and exercise plan with your partner will increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.
• Adequate and balanced nutrition should be taken from 5 different food groups: fruits and vegetables, starchy food like bread, rice, potatoes and pasta, milk and dairy products, proteins as meat, fish, eggs and legumes, fatty and sugary foods.
• While adding these foods to your diet, you should cut out refined sugars and grains, processed foods, and salt.
• Avoid trans fats. These artery-clogging fats threaten fertility as well harm the heart and blood vessels.
• Eat little or only small amounts of foods that are high in calories (including chips, biscuits, fatty meats, pastries, cakes, fast foods, and sweets).
• Eat regular meals and avoid unhealthy snacks.
• Drink water instead of alcohol or sugary drinks.
• Let vegetables make up half of your plate for lunch and dinner.
• Use a smaller plate to help yourself eat smaller portions.
• Increase your daily activity. Do regular physical activities like walking to shops, climbing stairs, and walking with a friend.
• Set a realistic weight goal. This keeps you motivated and can help you feel active. It is good to aim to lose half to one kilogram per week until you reach your target weight.

When you make these lifestyle changes even if you don't lose weight, it will make a difference in your overall health. Start making these changes before you conceive and continue them throughout your pregnancy and beyond.