Weight loss interventions do not result in higher fertility

A randomised controlled study has taken place in the Netherlands and has found that weight loss interventions preceding fertility treatment did not result in higher birth rates. The study included 577 women, who were split into two groups, one who received lifestyle intervention advice, and one that did not. Weight loss was found to be higher in the intervention group, however, birth rates were comparable. A further analysis did however find that the rate of ongoing pregnancies following natural conception was higher in the intervention group than the control.

Obese women may suffer from anovulation, where they do not release an ovum to be fertilised monthly. This study has shown that whilst a lifestyle intervention may be able to treat anovulation, the rates of healthy live births are not affected.