Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement or tool that is used to measure your body fat. It is estimated based on calculating your height and weight.
BMI is measured to determine your weight range (underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese).
Keep in mind that BMI does not accurately measure body fat but only provides an estimated percentage.
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of your height in metres (m²). Alternatively, you can use a BMI calculator by entering your weight and height to get your BMI result.
Once you have your result, you can compare it to the standard weight categories.
According to the BMI chart in Malaysia, a normal BMI falls between 18.6 and 25.0. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, while a BMI between 25.1 and 30.0 is categorized as overweight. A measurement of 30.1 or above indicates obesity.
It is inevitable that issues related to weight impacts fertility. Individuals who are under the overweight or obese category tend to experience fertility issues more than others.
However, with proper guidance from a fertility specialist and with the advancement in technology, overcoming any fertility challenges is made possible.
Ideal BMI To Conceive
For optimal fertility, maintaining a healthy weight within the normal BMI range is important.
This can help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and increase your chances of conception.
It is still highly possible to conceive with a higher or lower BMI, however, there is a possibility to go through health complications, which reduces the chances of conceiving.
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of various health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
These conditions can negatively impact fertility. It’s important to address these underlying health issues before starting fertility treatment.
Unhealthy Weight For Women’s Fertility
For women, being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to ovulation disorders and other fertility issues.
Additionally, conditions like PCOS and endometrial hyperplasia, often linked to weight-related factors, can further impact fertility.
Maintaining a healthy weight within the normal BMI range can significantly improve your chances of conception.
Unhealthy Weight For Men’s Fertility
Excess weight can lead to a decreased testosterone level which in return, decreases the sperm count.
Research have also shown that men with higher body fat percentage tend to have lower sperm motility.
In addition to this, being overweight or obese increases the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes which can also lead to infertility, thus making it difficult for a couple to conceive naturally. In some cases, obesity can decrease libido and cause erectile dysfunction.
Therefore, it is important for men to maintain a healthy weight to preserve their fertility.
How Maternal Obesity Affects Pregnancy Outcomes
Maternal obesity is when a woman is overweight or obese during pregnancy. Obesity or overweight issues are a growing concern in Malaysia.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, nearly 20 per cent of Malaysian women of reproductive age are overweight or obese.
Maternal obesity can significantly increase the risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience miscarriages, stillbirths, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
Additionally, their babies may face health issues such as birth defects, low birth weight, or childhood obesity.
Moreover, receiving regular pregnancy monitoring can detect weight changes and applying a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, and help you lead a healthy pregnancy journey.
Can PCOS Affect Fertility?
Conceiving when you have PCOS is possible, but your pregnancy journey may be a little different from the usual.
PCOS is a condition that disrupts your menstruation cycle and ovulation which makes it harder to conceive.
Although it is still possible for overweight women with PCOS to conceive naturally, some will still require additional assistance to improve their fertility journey.
Consulting a good fertility centre and fertility specialist to discuss a personalized treatment plan based on your health conditions increases the chances of healthy pregnancy.
Fertility Treatment Options For Couples With High BMI
Couples struggling with weight-related fertility issues can explore various treatment options, including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
For men with obesity, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended to increase the chances of fertilization.
Malaysia offers world-class fertility treatments and is a popular destination for couples seeking advanced fertility care.
Don’t lose hope; with the right treatment and support, your dream of parenthood can become a reality.
Benefits Of Losing Weight
In addition to fertility treatments, your doctor may recommend weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.
Maintaining a healthy weight can not only improve fertility but also reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery.
By achieving a normal BMI, you can increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and a smoother delivery.
Effective Weight Loss Tips
Shedding those extra pounds can not only improve your overall health but also enhance your fertility. Here are some tips to help you achieve a healthy weight.
Practising Healthy Eating Habits: Practising healthy eating habits can significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
A balanced diet which consists of vegetables, nuts, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you achieve a normal weight which in return, regulates your menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Even if weight loss isn’t your goal, a balanced diet is essential for overall health to improve your wellbeing and boost your fertility.
Regular Physical Activities: Engaging in regular physical activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and yoga improves overall health and reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, and potentially increases the probability to conceive.
Always consult with a doctor before starting a certain exercise routine or programme to see if it is suitable for your health conditions.
It is advised to choose the most suitable exercise routine for yourself to optimise weight loss and maintain overall wellbeing.
Minimising Alcohol Consumption and Quitting Smoking: Consuming alcohol excessively and smoking can lower sperm count in men and reduce ovulation in women.
By reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, you can improve your overall health and enhance your fertility.
Making Pregnancy Possible For Couples With Weight Problems
In conclusion, every couple’s fertility and pregnancy journey will differ. It is advised to book a consultation with a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for more than six months but failed.
The earlier the consultation, the better, especially if you are under the category of overweight or obese according to the BMI Malaysia chart.
Fertility specialists can provide expert advice and recommend the best and personalised treatment plan to address your needs.
The key here is to stay positive and persistent, while exploring different options until you find the right solution for you.
Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu, a fertility specialist, currently serves as the medical director at TMC Fertility and Women’s Specialist Centre in Puchong. With over a decade of experience, he has assisted couples of all ages and from various parts of the world in building the families they have always wanted. Additionally, he is a consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and laparoscopic surgeon.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
