The prevalence of obesity is continuing to increase among women. Women who are in their reproductive years are disproportionately affected by obesity. The link between obesity and increased morbidity from various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and malignancies, is well established. This article discusses the current state of obesity among reproductive age women in the USA and reviews the impact of maternal obesity on reproduction. The genetic contribution to human obesity is also discussed, as is reproduction following weight reduction surgery.