One in five Poles is overweight and one in five couples has problems getting pregnant. A coincidence? Not necessarily. Obesity is the enemy of fertility.

Although obesity and overweight are not the main cause of infertility, they strongly contribute to it. This applies to both men and women. A change in diet and lifestyle is the first recommendation a doctor will hear from an infertile overweight couple trying to have a baby. A proper diet prevents ovulation-related causes of infertility, which account for up to one 25 per cent of all infertility cases.

Too much body fat alters reproductive hormones. In men, it can lead to reduced testosterone levels and secondary testicular hormonal failure (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). In women, it usually causes excessive androgen secretion (hyperandrogenism) and metabolic abnormalities, which are often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO). It also leads to early miscarriages, fetal birth defects and pregnancy complications.

The most common way to check overweight and obesity is to calculate the body mass index (BMI). It is calculated according to the formula: body weight expressed in kilograms divided by height expressed in metres and squared.

BMI = body weight (kg) / height (m)²

We are said to be overweight when the BMI exceeds 25kg/m² and obese when the BMI is above 30kg/(m)².

So if you are trying for a baby, check your BMI and be sure to review your diet!