A retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of meaningful weight loss on fertility outcomes in an overweight population with infertility.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if meaningful weight loss (≥10%) improved conception and live birth rates of overweight patients with infertility.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S): Overweight patients (body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2); n = 52) being treated for infertility and referred for weight loss counseling.

INTERVENTION(S): Patients were given a "meaningful" weight loss goal of 10%. They were followed by an endocrinologist who provided diet and exercise recommendations, metabolic screening, and pharmacologic intervention when indicated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy rate, live birth rate, weight loss.

RESULT(S): Thirty-two percent of the patients achieved meaningful weight loss. Patients achieving meaningful weight loss had significantly higher conception (88% vs. 54%) and live birth rates (71% vs. 37%) than those who did not.

CONCLUSION(S): Weight loss improves live birth rates in overweight patients with infertility. Health care providers should incorporate weight loss counseling when caring for overweight patients who plan to conceive.