Obesity and fertility: A literature review

Authors

  • А.А. Yeszhanova
  • K.Zh. Khalmuratova
  • G.A. Sagandykova
  • A.S. Kenessary
  • M.E. Mukyshbekova НАО МУА

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.2.2023.39-45

Keywords:

obesity, infertility, anovulation, fertility

Abstract

Relevance: Female obesity is a complex multifactorial disease. Many mechanisms involved in overweight and obesity affect the development of reproductive disorders. Important mechanisms include insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, lipotoxicity, and inflammation. However, the exact mechanism concerning their relationship is still unclear. Excess adipose tissue aromatizes androgens into estrogen, which leads to negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and, finally, to a decrease in gonadotropin production and a lower level of gonadotropins leads to inhibition of ovarian activity and menstrual cycle disorders and infertility. Also, impaired endometrial susceptibility in obese women is the cause of unsuccessful embryo implantation and infertility. As you know, female obesity has become a global problem, which in most cases, is accompanied by endocrine and metabolic disorders. Obese women are more likely to face reproductive problems, including infertility, defects in embryonic development, and abnormalities in offspring. In this regard, the relevance of this topic is undeniable.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of obesity on the fertility of women of reproductive age.

Materials and methods: We used articles in English found in the search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and e-Library by keywords and medical thematic headings among the materials published from 2012 to 2022. The review included 26 articles on the pathogenesis, etiology, influence, and treatment of obesity in the reproductive age. The studies were conducted in compliance with applicable ethical principles.

Results: The effect of obesity on fertility has an assumed etiological role, but knowledge of physiopathology is still insufficient. Treatment is aimed at the minimal intervention necessary to restore fertility. Placental dysfunction due to maternal obesity may be associated with the development of fetal growth restriction, and the fetus does not reach its full growth potential. Weight loss can help improve ovulation, pregnancy, and live birth; therefore, women with a high body mass index should be advised to lose weight before conception.

Conclusion: Obesity in women is associated with the risk of infertility and negative consequences for the fetus. Fortunately, these adverse effects can be avoided with moderate weight loss. Deeper research is required to better understand the relationship between obesity and the female reproductive system to improve women's health.

References

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Published

2023-05-29

How to Cite

[1]
Yeszhanova А., Khalmuratova К., Sagandykova Г., Kuanysh С., Kenessary А. and Mukyshbekova М. 2023. Obesity and fertility: A literature review. Reproductive Medicine (Central Asia). 2 (55) (May 2023), 39–45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.2.2023.39-45.

Issue

No. 2 (55) (2023): Reproductive medicine

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Статьи

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