Fertility and pregnancy: how weight loss can help
Dreaming of starting a family? If you're living with overweight or obesity, the path to pregnancy may come with some medical challenges. The good news is that the solution may be closer than you think. Research shows that even modest weight loss can bring significant physiological benefits for fertility. With safe, well-planned weight loss, it may be possible to restore ovulation, improve hormone balance and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
At Yazen, we're here to support you every step of the way. We offer medical weight loss treatment alongside a personalised plan designed for sustainable results, with a focus on your health, your body and your future goals.
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How excess weight can affect fertility
Obesity can affect fertility by disrupting the body's hormone balance, including levels of oestrogen and insulin, which may lead to irregular ovulation or ovulation stopping altogether.
Research into the link between obesity and fertility shows that fat tissue acts as an active hormonal organ. Excess fat cells produce additional oestrogen, which can affect the body's natural menstrual cycle. Many women living with overweight or obesity also develop insulin resistance, which can interfere with ovarian function and make conception more difficult. For those with poly-endocrine metabolic ovary syndrome (PMOS), these hormonal imbalances may become even more pronounced.
Obesity can also increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
With the right treatment and support, it is often possible to improve both fertility and hormonal health. At Yazen, you'll receive ongoing support from licensed doctors and specialists who understand the connection between weight, hormones and fertility.
Losing weight to improve your chances of pregnancy
Losing weight before pregnancy is one of the most effective medical strategies for improving fertility. For many women, losing just 5-10% of their body weight may be enough to help ovulation return and significantly improve the chances of pregnancy.
Weight loss before pregnancy may also help reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health and create better conditions for both pregnancy and foetal development. Small changes in daily life can therefore have a meaningful impact on fertility and long-term health.
At Yazen, you'll receive long-term support from doctors, dietitians and psychologists who can help you build sustainable habits, with a focus on both weight loss and overall wellbeing.
Does medical weight loss affect fertility?
Medical weight loss can have a positive indirect effect on fertility by supporting weight loss and improvements in hormonal balance. However, weight loss medications should not be used during pregnancy.
Treatment for obesity can be highly effective in improving metabolic health. As weight decreases, many women find that ovulation becomes more regular. However, it is important to understand how weight loss medication fits into family planning.
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm the safety of these medicines during pregnancy. For this reason, treatment should be stopped before trying to conceive. The recommended timeframe depends on the medication being used and should always be discussed with your doctor. Because fertility can improve during weight loss treatment, effective contraception is recommended while using weight loss medication.
At Yazen, licensed doctors provide ongoing support to help you plan your treatment safely around both your weight loss goals and future family plans.
BMI and pregnancy: understanding your results
Understanding the relationship between BMI and fertility can help you make informed decisions about your health. In reproductive medicine, body composition is an important consideration. Some fertility clinics, for example, may have BMI requirements for treatments such as IVF to improve the chances of success and reduce the risk of complications.
Starting a pregnancy with obesity is associated with a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Healthcare professionals therefore use BMI as one of several tools to identify when additional support may be helpful.
However, BMI is only one part of the picture. At Yazen, you'll receive support to improve your health in a sustainable way, without extreme diets or short-term fixes. The goal is to create better conditions for both pregnancy and long-term wellbeing.
Creating the best possible foundation for the future
Have you been trying to conceive and wondering whether your weight or hormone balance could be playing a role? It's rarely just about willpower. Biology plays a major part.
Complete our free medical health assessment and download the Yazen app today. Our licensed doctors and specialists can help you work towards a healthier weight and support your long-term health goals.
Frequently asked questions about weight, fertility and pregnancy
Can people with overweight get pregnant?
Yes. Becoming pregnant while living with overweight is absolutely possible and happens every day. Being overweight does not automatically mean infertility. Many women with a higher BMI conceive naturally and go on to have healthy pregnancies, although additional medical support or monitoring may sometimes be recommended.
Can excess weight cause infertility?
Yes. Excess body fat can affect the hormones needed for regular ovulation. If ovulation becomes irregular or stops altogether, it can become more difficult to conceive naturally.
Can obesity affect male fertility?
Yes. Overweight and obesity in men can affect sperm quality, lower testosterone levels and reduce the number of healthy, motile sperm, which may make conception more difficult. Smoking and alcohol can also have a negative impact on sperm quality.
Does weight affect fertility in people with PMOS?
Yes. In poly-endocrine metabolic ovary syndrome (PMOS), a higher body weight can worsen insulin resistance and increase the production of androgens. Weight loss is often one of the first treatment approaches recommended for women with PMOS who are trying to conceive.
Is it safe to diet during pregnancy?
No. Actively trying to lose weight during pregnancy is not recommended, as a calorie deficit may affect the nutrients available to the developing baby. If weight loss is appropriate, it is generally best addressed before pregnancy or after breastfeeding has finished. Avoiding smoking and alcohol during pregnancy is also important for reducing the risk of complications.
How long before pregnancy should I stop taking weight loss medication?
The recommended timeframe depends on the medication being used. Many weight loss treatments should be stopped at least 1-2 months before trying to conceive, but individual advice from your doctor is essential. If you're planning a pregnancy, it's important to discuss this with your treating doctor well in advance.
This is how you can start today
Sign up through our website
Answer a few questions within 2 minutes so we can better understand you and your goals. To submit your responses, securely log in using iDIN. This is a trusted online identification method that allows you to easily confirm your identity and age. Want to learn more about iDIN? Click here for more information.
Download the Yazen app
Continue your journey in our app. Download the Yazen app from the App Store or Google Play, and log in to get started right away.
Complete your health profile
Together with your YazenCoach, you'll answer a few more questions in the app to complete your profile.
Plan your blood test
To determine if you’re eligible for the treatment, we conduct a comprehensive blood test. We partner with Labplusarts, the leading provider of blood tests. You can easily request a blood test through their website, and you'll always find a location nearby.
*If the test results indicate that the treatment is unsuitable, you’ll receive a refund for the blood test cost (€119).
Discuss your treatment plan
If the blood test results show that the treatment is suitable for you, you’ll meet your doctor. Together, you’ll create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Your journey can begin!
If you’re satisfied with the treatment plan, the costs, the medication, and the expected results, we can get started.
