Body Mass Index or BMI can be used to provide a general indication of whether you are underweight, normal weight or overweight. Your height and weight are used to calculate your BMI. Click here for a link to an online BMI calculator.
Your body mass is made up of fat, lean mass which includes muscle, and bone. In most cases the component contributing to a high BMI comes from fat rather than muscle. A healthy BMI range for fertility is 20-25. Fertility studies have investigated BMI and outcomes for spontaneous conception and assisted reproductive treatments.
Studies have shown a raised BMI is associated with a high risk of reproductive complications in women such as menstrual dysfunction, lack of ovulation, infertility and lower conception rates. In males there is also a relationship between BMI and sperm quality, with increases in BMI (above 25+) associated with reduced sperm count, sperm concentration and semen volume.
Low levels of body fat, indicated by a low BMI (under 20) can also affect fertility and these can be addressed through the right exercise and energy balance.
The good news is that physical activity can improve male factor fertility and the chance of conception in females. Women with a high BMI (30+) that undertake regular exercise before IVF and ICSI have a 3 fold higher chance of getting pregnant and having a baby than those who do not. A 300% increase- that is absolutely HUGE! This increase in chance of pregnancy is realised even without a significant reduction in body weight. That means that no matter what your BMI is - Exercise will improve your chances!
Exercise right to improve your chance of success.