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

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/m²; 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.