22/10/2025
Obesity can occur in two primary forms.
The first type results from lifestyle factors—particularly overeating and having the financial means to consume whatever food one desires, often leading to a high intake of processed or calorie-dense foods. The second type of obesity is more complex and may occur naturally in some individuals due to genetic or metabolic factors, even if they do not eat excessively. This type is often influenced by hereditary traits, hormonal imbalances, or underlying medical conditions.
The purpose of this write-up is to highlight how obesity can negatively affect fertility, particularly in women.
Obesity is closely linked to hormonal imbalances. Excess fat tissue in the body can lead to increased production of insulin—a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. When the body produces too much insulin, it can lead to a condition called insulin resistance, where the cells become less responsive to insulin. This condition causes the body to produce even more insulin to compensate.
High insulin levels can increase the production of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) in a woman’s body. Additionally, fat cells can convert androgens into estrogen, further disrupting the hormonal balance. These hormonal shifts interfere with the normal functioning of the ovaries, particularly the development and release of eggs (ovulation).
As a result, women with obesity may experience irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty ovulating, or even complete absence of ovulation (anovulation), all of which contribute to infertility. Elevated androgen levels also impair the development of ovarian follicles—the small sacs in the ovaries where eggs grow—making conception more difficult.
WOJUADE KEHINDE SAMUEL IS CEO/FERTILITY SCIENTIST AT ABIMS FERTILITY AND ANDROLOGY IKEJA, LAGOS.
