Eat a balanced diet
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports the cycle and egg quality – and, in men, sperm production. You will find suggestions in our guide Naturally pregnant in 10 steps.
Weight & fertility.
Body weight is a sensitive topic – and at the same time one of the few fertility factors you can influence yourself. Both marked overweight and underweight can affect the cycle, ovulation and the chances of success of fertility treatment. The good news: often, even moderate changes achieve a lot. We accompany you along the way – respectfully, without pointing fingers.
The basics
Why weight influences fertility.
The cycle is controlled by a finely tuned hormonal circuit – and this circuit reacts sensitively to the body's energy balance. Fat tissue is not a passive store, but hormonally active itself: among other things, it produces oestrogens and thus influences the hormonal balance that makes egg maturation and ovulation possible.
If the weight moves clearly out of the healthy range – in either direction – the cycle can become irregular or ovulation can stop altogether. Important to know: it is not about a “perfect” number on the scales, but about a range in which your hormonal system can work well. Where that range lies varies from person to person and is assessed together with our physicians.
Overweight
Overweight and fertility.
Marked overweight can influence the hormonal balance on several levels. Insulin resistance frequently develops – a disturbed sugar metabolism that also affects the ovaries and can disrupt egg maturation. Ovulation becomes less frequent, the cycle more irregular. The connection with PMOS (formerly PCOS), the most common hormonal disorder in young women, is particularly close: excess weight can aggravate PMOS – and a moderate weight reduction can noticeably improve it.
Weight also plays a role in fertility treatment: marked overweight is one of the lifestyle factors that can influence the success rates of IVF and ICSI. And in men? Here, too, excess weight can affect hormone levels and sperm quality – a semen analysis quickly provides clarity.
Underweight
Underweight and fertility.
Less well known, but just as relevant: being underweight can also make it harder to get pregnant. If the body lacks energy over a longer period, it switches into an “economy mode” and reduces the production of the sex hormones – ovulation becomes less frequent, and menstruation can stop altogether. The same can happen with very intensive training and insufficient energy intake, even at a normal weight.
If an eating disorder lies behind the low weight, sensitive, multidisciplinary support is particularly important – medically as well as psychologically. The good news here, too: once the energy balance normalises, the cycle recovers in many cases.
What you can do yourself
Small steps, big effect.
No radical regime is needed – on the contrary: sustainable, moderate changes are the most effective way. Crash diets create stress and nutrient deficiencies and can put additional strain on the cycle.
Exercise moderately
Regular, moderate exercise has a favourable effect on the hormonal balance and well-being. Excessive training, on the other hand, can disrupt the cycle – the right measure counts.
Plan realistically
The body needs time: sperm production takes around three months, and the cycle does not react overnight either. Rely on lasting routines instead of short-term programmes – and do not wait too long before seeking a work-up.
Our support
How we support you at WIF.
As a 360° fertility institute, we accompany you from gentle support with nutrition & lifestyle to specialised treatment – all under one roof. It starts with the work-up: a hormone status from our own hormone laboratory shows whether and how your weight influences your hormonal balance – for example in the context of PMOS.
Building on this, we discuss together what makes sense in your situation: from nutritional advice and cycle support to fertility treatment. One thing always applies with us: your weight is one medical factor among many – never a reproach. Moderate weight changes can clearly improve the chances; sometimes they are not enough on their own – then all further paths remain open.
Your advantage at WIF
From lifestyle to high-tech medicine – from a single source.
360°
Care under one roof – from nutrition & lifestyle to IVF
1 h
Time for you in the detailed first consultation
30,000+
Births since 1983
3
Locations: Vienna, Baden & St. Pölten
Listen on: body weight in the Wunschbaby Podcast
In our podcast episode Kinderwunsch & Körpergewicht (in German), Dr. Alena Pichler explains how overweight and underweight influence the hormonal balance and why even moderate changes can improve the chances. And when professional support is worthwhile can be found under When to seek help?.
Frequently asked questions
Weight and fertility: your questions.
Can I get pregnant while being overweight?
Yes – many women with excess weight become pregnant. Marked overweight can, however, disrupt the cycle and ovulation and prolong the waiting time. A moderate weight reduction can favourably influence the hormonal balance and clearly increase the likelihood of ovulation – it is often the most effective first step. We advise you individually and respectfully.
Does being underweight affect getting pregnant?
Yes. If the body lacks energy over a longer period, it throttles the production of the sex hormones – ovulation becomes less frequent, and menstruation can stop. Once the energy balance normalises, the cycle recovers in many cases. With an underlying eating disorder, sensitive, multidisciplinary support is important.
How are weight and PMOS connected?
With PMOS, insulin resistance is frequently found, which is aggravated by excess weight – a cycle that can disturb egg maturation and ovulation. In overweight PMOS patients, even a moderate weight reduction can clearly improve the cycle and ovulation; slim women with PMOS, on the other hand, do not benefit from losing weight.
Does weight also play a role in IVF?
Yes. Marked overweight is one of the lifestyle factors that can influence the chances of success of IVF and ICSI – alongside age, the hormonal starting situation and underlying conditions. A weight in the healthy range improves the starting position for every treatment. What this means for your situation, we discuss in the first consultation.
How much would I have to lose to improve my chances?
Usually less than many think: no ideal figure is needed – even a moderate, lasting weight reduction can noticeably relieve the hormonal balance and clearly increase the likelihood of ovulation. What is decisive is the sustainable path via nutrition and exercise, not a quick radical regime. Which goal is realistic and sensible in your situation, we define together.
Are crash diets a good idea when trying to conceive?
No. Radical diets mean stress for the body, can lead to nutrient deficiencies and put additional strain on the cycle – the opposite of what is helpful when trying to conceive. Moderate, lasting changes in diet and exercise are better. You will find tips in our guide Naturally pregnant in 10 steps.
Does the topic of weight also apply to men?
Yes. Marked overweight can change hormone levels in men and impair sperm quality. Since sperm production takes around three months, lifestyle changes need a little lead time. A semen analysis quickly shows where the man stands – with us, the work-up of both partners is always part of the process.
When should we seek support?
As a rule of thumb: after twelve months of regular, unprotected intercourse without pregnancy – from the age of 35, already after six months. With known cycle disorders, marked over- or underweight or PMOS, a work-up is worthwhile even earlier. A good introduction is our info evening – online or on site.
Your next step
We fulfil your wish for a child!
Whether and how your weight plays a role, we clarify together – respectfully, individually and with all the possibilities of modern fertility medicine.
Or call us: +43 1 877 77 75