Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The effectiveness of weight‐loss lifestyle interventions for improving fertility in women and men with overweight or obesity and infertility: a systematic review update of evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Hunter, Emma; Avenell, Alison; Maheshwari, Abha; Stadler, Gertraud; Best, Damian

Authors

Alison Avenell

Abha Maheshwari

Gertraud Stadler

Damian Best



Abstract

Being overweight or obese can have a negative impact on fertility outcomes. This systematic review updates randomized controlled trial (RCT) findings on the effectiveness of weight loss interventions in reducing weight and improving reproductive outcomes of women and men with overweight or obesity and infertility. Eligible studies, published since the last review, were identified by searching databases from March 20, 2016 until March 31, 2020. RCTs involving any type of lifestyle intervention were considered. Eight RCTs were identified and aggregated with seven RCTs included in our previous review. Meta-analyses revealed that women randomized to a combined diet and exercise intervention were more likely to become pregnant, risk ratio (RR) = 1.87 (95% CI 1.20, 2.93) and achieve a live birth RR = 2.20 (95% CI 1.23, 3.94), compared to women in control groups who received no or minimal intervention. This pattern was not replicated in trials where control groups received immediate access to assisted reproductive technology (ART). No eligible randomized trials involving men were identified. Data were largely obtained from small scale studies. Better designed, adequately powered, robust randomized trials are needed to better understand the effect of weight loss interventions on reproductive outcomes in both women and men.

Citation

HUNTER, E., AVENELL, A., MAHESHWARI, A., STADLER, G. and BEST, D. 2021. The effectiveness of weight-loss lifestyle interventions for improving fertility in women and men with overweight or obesity and infertility: a systematic review update of evidence from randomized controlled trials. Obesity reviews [online], 22(12), article e13325. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13325

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Jul 2, 2021
Online Publication Date Aug 13, 2021
Publication Date Dec 31, 2021
Deposit Date Apr 22, 2023
Publicly Available Date Jun 20, 2023
Journal Obesity reviews
Print ISSN 1467-7881
Electronic ISSN 1467-789X
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 22
Issue 12
Article Number e13325
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13325
Keywords Assisted reproductive technology; Infertility; Obesity; Systematic review; Weight loss
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1946880
Related Public URLs https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1952290 (Supplementary data)