Body Mass Index (BMI) and fertility

Problems and risks linked with obesity

• Irregular periods
• Increased risk of infertility
• Increased risk during fertility surgery
• Reduced success with fertility treatments

Pregnancy complications with obesity

• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Diabetes in pregnancy
• Birth defects
• High birth weight baby
• Caesarean section

Benefits of weight loss

• Weight loss can improve ovulation and pregnancy rates.
• It can improve your overall health.
• It helps improve self-esteem and wellbeing.

Fertility centres strict policy for admitting women for treatment

• If your BMI is more than 30 and less than 35, it is advised that you lose weight. You should aim to reach a BMI of 29.5 to be eligible for NHS fertility treatment.
• If your BMI is more than 35, then treatment cannot be offered unless the above criteria is fulfilled.

Contact information

If you have any questions, please contact the fertility nurses through Mrs K Reddy’s secretary on the number below.

Cotswold Fertility Unit

Tel: 0300 422 3128

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm

Website: www.cotswoldfertilityunit.co.uk

Further information

For more information about fertility treatment please visit:

Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority

Website: www.hfea.gov.uk