Being either too thin or too heavy may lower a man's sperm count, in some cases enough to impair fertility, researchers from Denmark report. In a study of nearly 1,600 young Danish men, the investigators found that those with either a low or high body mass index (BMI) had differences in reproductive hormones, as well as lower sperm counts than normal-weight men.
In some cases, these weight-related effects would likely be enough to reduce a man's fertility, said the researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, told Reuters Health. Men with a high or low BMI were more likely than normal-weight men to have a sperm count below 20 million per milliliter of semen, which is abnormally low.
On average, those men with a low BMI (defined as below 20) had a 36 percent lower sperm count than men with a normal BMI. Overweight men (BMI over 25) had a 24 percent lower sperm count compared with average-weight men.
In addition, the men's testosterone levels decreased as BMI increased, as did certain other reproductive hormones. It may be such hormonal effects of a high BMI that explain the poorer semen quality they found in overweight men.
The findings raise the possibility that the high prevalence of obesity in the Western world may be contributing to fertility problems. If that's the case, the researchers note that some cases of impaired fertility may be preventable.
However, it's not yet known whether maintaining a normal weight can help a man's chances of fathering children. To answer that question, researchers could study whether overweight men who shed their excess pounds show changes in semen quality.
Body weight has already been shown to affect a woman's ability to conceive. Obese women have a heightened risk of menstrual irregularities and infertility
In some cases, these weight-related effects would likely be enough to reduce a man's fertility, said the researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, told Reuters Health. Men with a high or low BMI were more likely than normal-weight men to have a sperm count below 20 million per milliliter of semen, which is abnormally low.
On average, those men with a low BMI (defined as below 20) had a 36 percent lower sperm count than men with a normal BMI. Overweight men (BMI over 25) had a 24 percent lower sperm count compared with average-weight men.
In addition, the men's testosterone levels decreased as BMI increased, as did certain other reproductive hormones. It may be such hormonal effects of a high BMI that explain the poorer semen quality they found in overweight men.
The findings raise the possibility that the high prevalence of obesity in the Western world may be contributing to fertility problems. If that's the case, the researchers note that some cases of impaired fertility may be preventable.
However, it's not yet known whether maintaining a normal weight can help a man's chances of fathering children. To answer that question, researchers could study whether overweight men who shed their excess pounds show changes in semen quality.
Body weight has already been shown to affect a woman's ability to conceive. Obese women have a heightened risk of menstrual irregularities and infertility
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.