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Obesity, insulin resistance and assisted conception

Reproductive and Maternal Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK, s.nelson{at}clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Obesity and infertility are intrinsically linked, with both maternal and paternal obesity adversely affecting fecundity and assisted conception outcomes. The potential mechanisms linking obesity to altered gonadal function are not known but may speculatively include an altered adipokine milieu, but further research is required. Regardless of mechanisms, any reduction in fertility is not overcome by assisted conception, with maternal obesity associated with increased gonadotrophin requirements, lower oocyte yields, reduced fertilisation and impaired pregnancy rates. Furthermore in those who achieve pregnancy all maternal and perinatal risks are increased in conjunction with obesity, further reducing the probability of a healthy offspring. Optimisation of preconceptual weight irrespective of whether it is a spontaneous or assisted conception is essential to minimise these risks. Fortunately assisted conception provides us with a unique opportunity to engage with patients prior to achieving a pregnancy, and clinicians must exploit this ensuring that patients are fully informed as to the advantages of providing the best possible maternal environment and the positive impact it will have on their offspring. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2009;9:23—266

Key Words: assisted conception • obesity • PCOS • weight loss

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The British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease, Vol. 9, No. 1, 23-26 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1474651408101342


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This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Nelson, S. M Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?