I have been watching the Biggest Loser this season- normally I could care less and have never seen it before, but my daughter sucked me into it. My curiosity was peeked on one episode when they were speaking to one the contestants who I have a soft spot for, Kelli. She has been battling fertility issues. The were in a fertility clinic and discussing IVF PGD and the nurse- at least I think she was a nurse- was a former contestant on he show and she said weight had a big part in fertility issues. this was news to me.

I did a bit of reading on a fertility site belonging to Dr. Randy Morris who specializes in IVF 1 ( in vitro) to see if weight was an issue and this is what it says:

Obesity plays a role in infertility. (Fact)
Excess weight and obesity can affect fertility in a number of different ways by causing hormonal imbalances that have an impact on ovulation and menstruation. Additionally, obese patients have a poorer chance for success with fertility treatments. They tend to have a worse response to fertility medications and as a result may need higher doses. Pregnancy rates are uniformly lower for obese women. This is true even for high tech treatments such as in vitro fertilization. Some IVF studies show a delivery rate for obese women that is one half what it is for thinner women.

I was taken aback at these numbers to honest. Though its not clear to me if rates are lower in general or lower fro woman in fertility treatment. I would like to see more data that supports this theory. I also want to know they mean be obese.

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia in Daily Posts