A retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of meaningful weight loss on fertility outcomes in an overweight population with infertility

Abstract

Objective: To determine if meaningful weight loss (≥10%) improved conception and live birth rates of overweight patients with infertility.

Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Patient(s): Overweight patients (body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2); n = 52) being treated for infertility and referred for weight loss counseling.

Intervention(s): Patients were given a "meaningful" weight loss goal of 10%. They were followed by an endocrinologist who provided diet and exercise recommendations, metabolic screening, and pharmacologic intervention when indicated.

Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy rate, live birth rate, weight loss.

Result(s): Thirty-two percent of the patients achieved meaningful weight loss. Patients achieving meaningful weight loss had significantly higher conception (88% vs. 54%) and live birth rates (71% vs. 37%) than those who did not.

Conclusion(s): Weight loss improves live birth rates in overweight patients with infertility. Health care providers should incorporate weight loss counseling when caring for overweight patients who plan to conceive.

Keywords: BMI; Obesity; infertility; overweight; weight loss.