- By Priyanka Munshi
- Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Excess weight can significantly impact a woman’s hormonal balance and reproductive health. Fat tissue is not merely a storage depot; it acts as an active endocrine organ, producing hormones like estrogen. When body fat—particularly around the abdomen—is excessive, estrogen levels rise, disrupting the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods, anovulation (failure to release an egg), and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, excess fat—especially visceral fat—increases the risk of insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.
This results in elevated insulin levels that further disrupt ovarian function and hormonal balance, particularly affecting testosterone, and the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, which plays a key role in PCOS and infertility. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Tripti Raheja, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, talked about how excess weight impacts hormonal balance and pregnancy outcomes.
According to Dr. Tripti Raheja, obesity also alters levels of appetite-regulating hormones. Leptin, which suppresses appetite, is produced by fat cells. Although levels are high in obese individuals, the body often becomes resistant to its signals, leading to disrupted hunger cues and metabolic imbalance. Similarly, ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, may become dysregulated, encouraging overeating and contributing to further hormonal disruption. Moreover, excess weight is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, which stimulates the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol over time can impair reproductive hormone function and promote further fat storage—especially around the midsection—creating a harmful feedback loop.
These hormonal disturbances have a direct impact on reproductive outcomes. Women carrying excess weight often face reduced fertility due to disrupted ovulation and a higher prevalence of PCOS. Insulin resistance further complicates ovarian function. In assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI, women with higher BMI may need increased doses of fertility medications and still face lower success rates due to reduced egg quality and implantation issues. Obesity also raises the risk of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester, potentially due to poor egg quality or abnormal embryo development, added Dr. Tripti Raheja.
Beyond conception, excess weight poses serious risks during pregnancy. It increases the likelihood of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and postpartum complications. Furthermore, the baby’s health may also be affected—newborns of overweight mothers are more likely to be larger than average (macrosomia), experience birth injuries, and face long-term health challenges such as obesity and metabolic disorders.
Finally, Dr. Tripti Raheja stated that the positive news is that even a modest weight loss of 5–10% can significantly improve hormonal balance, restore ovulation, enhance fertility, and reduce the risks associated with pregnancy. Making sustainable lifestyle changes can have profound benefits for both mother and baby.