- 5–10% – Even moderate weight loss can improve hormonal balance and reproductive health in women with overweight or obesity.
- 2 months – GLP-1-based medicines need to be stopped before a planned pregnancy according to the recommendations for each product. For semaglutide, the recommendation is at least two months before trying to become pregnant.
- 1 team – Doctors and other healthcare professionals support you throughout the treatment.
How is female fertility affected by body weight?
Overweight and obesity can affect fertility through changes in hormonal balance, metabolism and reproductive function. In some women, this can lead to irregular periods or a lack of ovulation, which can make it more difficult to become pregnant.
An increased amount of adipose tissue can affect the body's production and regulation of hormones such as insulin and oestrogen. Insulin resistance is also more common with overweight and obesity and can affect ovarian function. This is particularly relevant in PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) (previously PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome), a hormonal condition that is a common cause of reduced fertility. Overweight and obesity are also linked to low-grade inflammation, which can affect the reproductive environment and fertility.
For women with overweight or obesity, weight loss can contribute to improved hormonal balance, more regular menstrual cycles and better conditions for ovulation. Even moderate weight loss can have positive effects on reproductive health in some women.
How is male fertility affected by body weight?
Overweight and obesity can affect male fertility through changes in hormonal balance, metabolism and sperm quality. Research shows that men with overweight or obesity more often have lower testosterone levels and may have reduced sperm production compared with men with lower body weight. Studies also suggest that overweight can affect sperm motility and DNA quality, although the results vary between studies.
An increased amount of adipose tissue can affect the body's hormonal regulation and contribute to changes in testosterone and oestrogen levels. Overweight is also linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic changes that can affect reproductive health.
For men with overweight or obesity, weight loss can contribute to improved metabolic health and, in some cases, improve fertility-related factors such as hormonal balance and sperm quality. The extent of the effect varies between individuals and is influenced by several factors, including age, general health and underlying causes of infertility.
Increasing age can also affect fertility in men. Over time, sperm quality, count and motility can change, which can affect the possibility of achieving pregnancy.
How is infertility treated in people with overweight?
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility and always needs to be individually tailored. For people with overweight or obesity, weight loss can be an important part of treatment because body weight can affect hormonal balance, fertility and reproductive health.
Healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and other lifestyle habits that promote good health are often recommended as part of treatment. With overweight or obesity, even moderate weight loss can improve hormonal balance and reproductive function in some people.
If overweight or obesity is present, medical weight treatment can, in some cases, be a complement to lifestyle changes. The aim of treatment is then to improve health and create better conditions for a future pregnancy.
At the same time, it is important to investigate other possible causes of infertility. Fertility difficulties can be caused by many different factors, such as PCOS, endometriosis, reduced sperm quality, age or other medical conditions.
Medical weight loss and planning for pregnancy
Because the safety of GLP-1-based medicines has not been established during pregnancy or breastfeeding, these treatments are not recommended during these periods. If you are planning to become pregnant, treatment should be stopped well before trying to become pregnant, in accordance with the applicable product information and medical recommendations.
Medical weight loss can therefore be an option for people with overweight or obesity who want to improve their health before a future pregnancy. Treatment should always be planned in consultation with a doctor, particularly if pregnancy is planned in the near future.
At Yazen, medication is combined with support from doctors and other healthcare professionals. The aim is to improve health and create sustainable lifestyle habits that can contribute to better conditions for a future pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about fertility and weight
Can fertility improve if I lose weight?
For people with overweight or obesity, weight loss can contribute to improved hormonal balance and reproductive health. In some women, weight loss can lead to more regular menstrual cycles and better conditions for ovulation. However, the effect varies between individuals.
Does overweight affect fertility in men?
Yes. Overweight and obesity can affect hormonal balance and sperm quality, which in some cases can reduce fertility. However, fertility is influenced by many different factors, and an individual assessment may be needed to identify the cause of fertility difficulties.
Can I use weight-loss medicines if I am planning to become pregnant?
If you are planning a pregnancy, it is important to discuss any medication with a doctor. GLP-1-based medicines are not recommended during pregnancy, and treatment needs to be stopped some time before trying to become pregnant, in accordance with current medical recommendations.
Can weight loss in people with overweight affect the results of IVF treatment?
Yes. For people with overweight or obesity, weight loss before fertility treatment can improve certain factors that are important for reproductive health. How much this affects the outcome of IVF treatment varies between individuals.
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