Waist Circumference Linked to Female Infertility: Study Reveals Impact Beyond BMI

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2023-12-28 04:30 GMT | Update On 2023-12-28 09:30 GMT

In a groundbreaking study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers have unveiled a significant association between waist circumference (WC) and female infertility among women of childbearing age in the United States. The findings suggest that beyond BMI, waist circumference may play a significant role in female infertility, and engagement in moderate recreational activities could potentially mitigate the risk associated with abdominal obesity.

The study results were published in the journal PLOS One.

Also Read: Women's risk of infertility increases by 3% for every Kg of weight gained

Obesity carries noteworthy consequences for fertility and reproductive health. Nevertheless, the evidence connecting abdominal obesity to female infertility has been both limited and inconclusive. Hence, researchers aimed to elucidate the possible correlation between waist circumference (WC) and infertility in women of childbearing age in the United States, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The cross-sectional study involved 3239 female participants aged 18–45 years. Employing weighted multivariable logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting, the researchers sought to disentangle the influence of waist circumference from other factors, including BMI and potential confounders.

Findings:

The results revealed a positive and independent association between waist circumference and female infertility.
Even after adjusting for BMI and other confounding variables, every 1cm increase in waist circumference was associated with a 3% rise in the risk of infertility (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06).
Stratifying WC into quintiles highlighted a striking 2.64 times higher risk of infertility in women in the highest quintile compared to those in the lowest quintile (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.31–5.30).
The relationship between WC and infertility was further nuanced by activity levels.
Smooth curve fitting revealed a non-linear, dose-dependent association.
Intriguingly, an inverted U-shaped relationship emerged in participants engaged in moderate recreational activities, with a turning point at 113.5 cm.
For those with deficient recreational activities, a J-shaped relationship was observed, with a turning point at 103 cm.

The study's conclusions emphasize the significance of waist circumference as an independent predictor of female infertility, irrespective of BMI. This challenges conventional notions that solely focusing on overall obesity metrics suffices in understanding reproductive health implications.

Also Read: Are intracavernosal injections of platelet-rich plasma effective against erectile dysfunction?

Moreover, the findings shed light on the potential protective role of moderate recreational activities. Women engaging in such activities exhibited a lower risk of infertility associated with abdominal obesity. This underscores the importance of not only addressing weight-related factors but also considering lifestyle and physical activity in the context of reproductive health.

Further reading: Association between waist circumference and female infertility in the United States. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295360

Article Source : PLOS One

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.

Dr.Niharika Harsha B

Dr.Niharika Harsha B (BDS,MDS) completed her BDS from Govt Dental College, Hyderabad and MDS from Dr.NTR University of health sciences(Now Kaloji Rao University). She has 4 years of private dental practice and worked for 2 years as Consultant Oral Radiologist at a Dental Imaging Centre in Hyderabad. She worked as Research Assistant and scientific writer in the development of Oral Anti cancer screening device with her seniors. She has a deep intriguing wish in writing highly engaging, captivating and informative medical content for a wider audience. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Waist Circumference Linked to Female Infertility: Study Reveals Impact Beyond BMI

Similar News

New jab protects babies from serious lung infection, study shows

Medical Bulletin 21/July/2025

Can High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Shorten Breastfeeding Duration? Study Sheds Light

Menstrual Cup Use Linked to Higher Risk of IUD Displacement: Study

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy More Costly but More Effective Than Open Surgery: Study

Breaking Down Fertility Barriers: Study evaluates Role of High Dose Hormones in ART and Ovarian Function

High Insulin Levels may Triple Risk of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Premenopausal Women: Study

Early Recognition of Pyoderma Gangrenosum in Pregnancy May Prevent Complications: Study