Sons born to overweight mothers likely to develop infertility, finds study
Infertility is a global public health issue, and research must focus on addressing the risk factors. In a study, researchers have found that sons born to pre-pregnant obese mothers were more likely to be diagnosed with infertility during adulthood than sons of mothers with normal weight. The research has been published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica on November 15, 2020.
Overweight and obesity in pregnancy is increasing worldwide and may harm the developing fetus, including its future reproductive health. Approximately 12.5% of couples are affected by infertility, which is often defined as unsuccessfully attempting to conceive for a year or longer. Overall, one-third of couples' infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third is either a combination or due to unknown factors. However, the association between maternal overweight and infertility in off-springs are unknown, as no studies have previously assessed this association. Therefore, Dr Linn H. Arendt and colleagues of Denmark conducted a study to evaluate the association between in utero exposure to maternal overweight and obesity and infertility in adulthood.
It was a cohort study of adult sons and daughters whose mothers were enrolled in the Danish Healthy Habits for Two cohorts during pregnancy in 1984‐87. Researchers evaluated a total of 1203 (13%) sons and daughters who were born to mothers with a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2. Among 1203 participants, they identified 871 (9.4%) as being infertile during follow up. They followed participants in the Danish In‐Vitro‐Fertilization‐Register and Danish National Patient Register until February 2018 for diagnoses of infertility.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.