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Childhood adiposity and fertility difficulties: the Bogalusa Heart Study
Author(s) -
Jacobs M. B.,
Bazzano L. A.,
Pridjian G.,
Harville E. W.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatric obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.226
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 2047-6310
pISSN - 2047-6302
DOI - 10.1111/ijpo.12168
Subject(s) - medicine , fertility , overweight , obesity , infertility , polycystic ovary , childhood obesity , relative risk , demography , obstetrics , gynecology , pregnancy , population , insulin resistance , environmental health , confidence interval , sociology , biology , genetics
Summary Background Adult obesity is associated with infertility; however, childhood obesity has received little consideration. Objectives The present study sought to evaluate the impact of childhood adiposity on fertility. Methods Associations between childhood adiposity and self‐reported fertility difficulties were estimated among women participating in a long‐term study of cardiovascular risks and reproductive health ( n = 1061). Results Participants with obesity between ages 9 and 12 were more likely to report fertility difficulties (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.82, 95% CI 1.17–2.82) and inability to become pregnant when trying (aRR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.22–3.08) as were those with obesity prior to age 9 (aRR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.04–2.97). Similar associations were seen among those ever overweight or obese in childhood. High subscapular skinfold thickness (age < 12) increased risk of receiving help becoming pregnant (aRR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.15–4.06), inability to become pregnant (aRR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.04) and any fertility difficulties (aRR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13–2.14); associations for triceps skinfold were attenuated. Participants with increased adiposity also had fewer pregnancies and live births. Effects persisted, excluding women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Conclusions This study supports an association between childhood adiposity and infertility, not solely driven by polycystic ovarian syndrome.