Do dietary interventions aimed at enhancing fertility improve nutritional status in overweight or obese women?

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Overweight and obesity represent critical public health challenges, impacting over one-third of the global population. This issue is particularly pressing for women of reproductive age, who are more vulnerable to weight gain. Addressing this connection is vital for promoting overall reproduc-tive health and ensuring the well-being of future generations. This systematic review evaluates the critical relationship between preconception dietary interventions and weight loss, along with their impacts on the nutri-tional status and fertility of women with obesity.

METHODS AND STUDY

DESIGN

Our research draws from various literature sources, including CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection, covering findings from 2010 to April 30, 2024.

RESULTS

Out of 180 studies screened, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Short-term weight loss programs showed limited impact on fertility in overweight women, and intensive weight-loss interventions were not more effective than exercise-focused programs. A preconception diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, but low in trans fats and processed foods, was associated with better fertility. The evidence regarding the benefits of weight loss is inconsistent, partly due to the reliance on indirect measures and limited use of biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss programs assist women with obesity in conceiving, but rapid weight loss may pose nutritional risks. Inconsistent nutritional assessments limit understanding of these programs. More objective measures are necessary to clarify the role of diet in fertility.