OBESITY AND REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS - A REVIEW

Obesity has significant consequences for the reproductive system, depe nding upon the amount and distribution of body fat. Epidemiological ev idence clearly shows that being overweight contributes to menstrual di sorders, infertility, miscarriage, poor pregnancy outcome, impaired fe tal well-being and diabetes mellitus. Central adiposity is particularl y important in clinical sequelae associated with an increased body mas s index. The advent of assisted reproduction highlights the problems o f being overweight, and the use of gonadotrophins in ovulation inducti on and in vitro fertilization is more difficult when the subject is ov erweight. Weight loss has marked effects on improving the menstrual cy cle and promoting spontaneous ovulation and fertility. Results indicat e that fertility is improved through exercise and sensible eating patt erns when conducted in a group environment. The mechanisms for this ar e unclear but may be associated with changes in sensitivity to insulin .