Association between metabolic healthy obesity and female infertility: the national health and nutrition examination survey, 2013–2020

Abstract

Background Obesity has been confirmed to be associated with infertility. However, the association between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), a subset of obesity with no metabolic abnormalities, and female infertility has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between MHO and the risk of female infertility among United States. Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional design and included 3542 women aged 20–45 years who were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2020 database. The association between MHO and the risk of infertility was evaluated using risk factor–adjusted logistic regression models. Results Higher BMI and WC were associated with increased infertility risk after adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR (95% CI): 1.04(1.02, 1.06), P = 0.001; OR (95% CI): 1.02 (1.01, 1.03), P < 0.001; respectively). After cross-classifying by metabolic health and obesity according to BMI and WC categories, individuals with MHO had a higher risk of infertility than those with MHN (OR (95% CI): 1.75(0.88, 3.50) for BMI criteria; OR (95% CI): 2.01(1.03, 3.95) for WC criteria). A positive linear relationship was observed between BMI/WC and infertility risk among metabolically healthy women (Pnon−linearity=0.306, 0.170; respectively). Conclusions MHO was associated with an increased risk of infertility among reproductive-aged women in the US. Obesity itself, regardless of metabolic health status, was associated with a higher infertility risk. Our results support implementing lifestyle changes aimed at achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight in all individuals, even those who are metabolically healthy.

Association between indicators of visceral lipid accumulation and infertility: a cross-sectional study based on U.S. women

“…The research carried out by Li et al provided confirmation that WC had a negative influence on the likelihood of a successful live delivery using assisted reproductive technologies, regardless of BMI [ 47 ]. Tang et al examined 3,542 women in a metabolically healthy population and found no correlation between BMI and infertility [ 48 ]. Additionally, previous investigations have demonstrated that an elevated BMI is correlated with a better prognosis in advanced heart failure, and it is uncertain whether there is an obesity paradox in infertility, given the correlation between infertility in women and a higher likelihood of getting severe cardiovascular disease.…”

Molecular Mechanism of Resveratrol and Its Therapeutic Potential on Female Infertility

“…Besides age and reproductive disorders (PCOS and endometriosis), other factors can impact fertility. One of them is obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of infertility [202]. Abdominal obesity can also induce systemic oxidative stress independently of PCOS [203].…”