Overview

Obesity (BMI ≥30) is one of the most significant and modifiable causes of infertility and pregnancy complications. In the GCC, obesity rates are among the highest in the world — making weight management a particularly important fertility health issue in the region.

How Obesity Affects Female Fertility

• Hormonal disruption — excess fat produces oestrogen, disrupting ovulation
• Anovulation and irregular cycles
• PCOS worsening — amplifies insulin resistance and androgen excess
• Reduced IVF response and lower implantation rates
• Higher miscarriage rates
• Pregnancy complications — gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth

How Obesity Affects Male Fertility

• Elevated scrotal temperature reduces sperm production
• Hormonal imbalance — lower testosterone, higher oestrogen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced sperm count, motility, morphology, and higher DNA fragmentation

Treatment & Management

• Even 5–10% weight loss restores ovulation and improves sperm parameters
• Low-glycaemic diet — Mediterranean diet has the strongest evidence base
• 150+ minutes of moderate activity per week
• Behavioural and psychological support
• GLP-1 medications (semaglutide/Ozempic) — must be stopped before fertility treatment and during pregnancy
• Bariatric surgery — for severe obesity; delay pregnancy 12–18 months after surgery

Weight and fertility are closely linked. Book a consultation today