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Weight, Body Composition and Infertility in Men and Women
Author(s) -
Reyes Martin Karen,
Mendoza López María del Mar,
GutiérrezGómez Yareni
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.579.22
Subject(s) - infertility , fertility , overweight , obesity , composition (language) , medicine , demography , environmental health , endocrinology , population , biology , pregnancy , genetics , linguistics , philosophy , sociology
There are many causes for infertility, among which body composition is very relevant; it is estimated that the worldwide prevalence for this problem is around 15%. The aim of this review is to analyze the existing evidence which relates infertility with body weight and composition. A literature search was conducted in electronic biomedical databases (MEADLINE, EMBASE). It has previously been observed that low weight impacts negatively in fertility, nevertheless overweight and obesity do too, this finding being even more striking given the increasing obesity prevalence around the world. Several mechanisms are believed to relate body composition and infertility, among which we can find sperm disturbances, insulin resistance and hormonal change, amongst others. Exercise is also an important factor to consider because of its capacity to change body composition; however, it is important to note that excesses in both weight and physical activity not only are risky in regards to fertility but also on general health. Hence is logical to conclude that, the first line treatment for infertility should be an adjustment in body composition being this the healthiest, cheapest and most effective approach.