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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. [Dataset]

Contributors

Alison Avenell
Data Collector

Abha Maheshwari
Data Collector

Gertraud Stadler
Data Collector

Damian Best
Data Collector

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. 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. The file associated with this output contains supplementary material.

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. [Dataset]. Obesity reviews [online], 22(12), article e13325. Available from: https://tinyurl.com/4kpcrzv6

Acceptance Date Jul 2, 2021
Online Publication Date Aug 13, 2021
Publication Date Dec 31, 2021
Deposit Date May 1, 2023
Publicly Available Date May 1, 2023
Publisher Wiley
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/1952290
Related Public URLs https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1946880(Journal article)
Type of Data Supplementary data contained in tables and figures.
Collection Date Mar 31, 2020
Collection Method The existing search strategy from the previous systematic review was replicated and updated to identify RCTs, search dates March 20, 2016 until March 31, 2020 (Data S2). The search was conducted using the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The updated search identified eight new studies. These eight RCTs, combined with the seven identified in our previous review resulted in a total of 15 studies eligible for inclusion in the update. The flow diagram (Data S3) details the overall number of citations reviewed. Overall, the results of this systematic review update suggest that, in women, weight reduction following a lifestyle intervention increases the chances of pregnancy and live birth. However, these results are driven by smaller scale studies, which evidence from larger trials providing immediate access to ART fertility services does not support. Further evidence from robust, well designed, large-scale trials is required and where necessary, future studies should consider involving both partners to fully explore the impact of weight reduction on fertility outcomes.