Hormonal
Obesity negatively impacts female reproduction through endocrine mechanisms involving adipokines (leptin, adiponectin), insulin resistance, and altered steroid metabolism, leading to anovulation and increased miscarriage risk.
Obesity affects fertility through biological mechanisms, not just weight. Adipose tissue releases hormones (adipokines) and alters steroid metabolism, which can disrupt ovulation and increase miscarriage risk. Management involves diet and exercise to improve metabolic health, which may restore ovulation. Even if conception occurs, obese women face higher risks of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Obesity can affect reproduction through fat cell metabolism, steroids and secretion of proteins such as leptin and adiponectin and through changes induced at the level of important homeostatic factors such as pancreatic secretion of insulin, androgen synthesis by the ovary and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) production by the liver.
Why this rating
Supported by epidemiological data, clinical observations of anovulation in obese women, and detailed mechanistic descriptions of adipose tissue endocrine functions.
Source
Nutrition and reproduction in women
The ESHRE Capri Workshop Group · Human Reproduction Update · 2006
DOI 10.1093/humupd/dmk003
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