Optimal BMI has been identified as a priority for both male and female patients undergoing fertility treatments, as I discuss in my online fertility program.
A new American study has investigated whether waist circumference, as a measure of central obesity, impacts fertility independently of BMI. Interestingly, the researchers found that a 5-cm increase in waist circumference was associated with a 6.3% lower sperm concentration, and a 9% lower probability of achieving a live birth.
Most interesting was that these associations were stronger in males with a normal BMI, demonstrating that BMI does not tell the full story of health or optimal weight, or weight distribution, as central obesity (defined by the American Heart Association as a waist circumference >102 cm) can be easily overlooked in male patients with a normal BMI.
I hypothesize that central obesity/waist circumference has a greater impact on optimal hormone production and risks of insulin sensitivity, both potentially contributing to excess estrogen production. I will be very interested to read follow-up studies that investigate this link further, and in the interim will integrate waist-circumference measurements into my male fertility assessments!
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Bian,H. et al. (2021). Male waist circumference in relation to semen quality and partner infertility treatment outcomes among couples undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.