News | The Negative Impact of Obesity on Male Fertility
A review published in Molecular Aspects of Medicine analyzed current evidence on the effects of obesity on the male reproductive system and discussed in detail the molecular mechanisms that contribute to male infertility in people with obesity or overweight.
Background
Obesity is considered one of the leading causes of male infertility worldwide. Increased body weight can affect testicular development and function beginning in fetal life. Recent evidence also shows that obesity can significantly reduce semen parameters in adult men. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide have obesity. As global obesity rates continue to rise, accurately understanding the relationship between obesity and male reproductive dysfunction is increasingly important.
Effects of Obesity on Male Infertility
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above. Body fat above 25% in men and 30% in women has also been described as obesity, although these measures often correlate poorly with BMI in the diagnostic context.
Studies show that male obesity significantly increases the risk of infertility among couples with a male partner who has obesity. However, research on the direct effects of obesity on conventional semen parameters has produced mixed or conflicting results. Some studies found no significant effect on sperm count, morphology, or motility, while other meta-analyses indicate reductions in total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm vitality, and total motility.
A recent meta-analysis found that obesity significantly reduced total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive and total motility. Obesity also affects overall sperm quality by inducing hypogonadism, or reduced production of male sex hormones.
Mechanisms of Obesity-Related Male Infertility
Obesity-induced hypogonadism may result from excess visceral fat. It is associated with excessive conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol by fat cells, which further promotes hepatic production of sex hormone-binding globulin. This protein binds testosterone and inhibits its biological function. Low testosterone also promotes fat accumulation.
Low testosterone impairs the proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells, adversely affecting spermatogenesis. High blood estrogen levels further affect the male reproductive system by inhibiting release of lactate, an essential substrate for germ cells, and disrupting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier.
Conclusion
Overall, the study found a significant association between obesity or overweight and poorer sperm quality, particularly in men with class II/III obesity. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for sperm quality and male reproductive health. Future research should further investigate the effects of obesity on male reproduction using more comprehensive measures.
News | The Negative Impact of Obesity on Male Fertility
News | The Negative Impact of Obesity on Male Fertility
A review published in Molecular Aspects of Medicine analyzed current evidence on the effects of obesity on the male reproductive system and discussed in detail the molecular mechanisms that contribute to male infertility in people with obesity or overweight.
Background
Obesity is considered one of the leading causes of male infertility worldwide. Increased body weight can affect testicular development and function beginning in fetal life. Recent evidence also shows that obesity can significantly reduce semen parameters in adult men. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide have obesity. As global obesity rates continue to rise, accurately understanding the relationship between obesity and male reproductive dysfunction is increasingly important.
Effects of Obesity on Male Infertility
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above. Body fat above 25% in men and 30% in women has also been described as obesity, although these measures often correlate poorly with BMI in the diagnostic context.
Studies show that male obesity significantly increases the risk of infertility among couples with a male partner who has obesity. However, research on the direct effects of obesity on conventional semen parameters has produced mixed or conflicting results. Some studies found no significant effect on sperm count, morphology, or motility, while other meta-analyses indicate reductions in total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm vitality, and total motility.
A recent meta-analysis found that obesity significantly reduced total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive and total motility. Obesity also affects overall sperm quality by inducing hypogonadism, or reduced production of male sex hormones.
Mechanisms of Obesity-Related Male Infertility
Obesity-induced hypogonadism may result from excess visceral fat. It is associated with excessive conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol by fat cells, which further promotes hepatic production of sex hormone-binding globulin. This protein binds testosterone and inhibits its biological function. Low testosterone also promotes fat accumulation.
Low testosterone impairs the proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells, adversely affecting spermatogenesis. High blood estrogen levels further affect the male reproductive system by inhibiting release of lactate, an essential substrate for germ cells, and disrupting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier.
Conclusion
Overall, the study found a significant association between obesity or overweight and poorer sperm quality, particularly in men with class II/III obesity. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for sperm quality and male reproductive health. Future research should further investigate the effects of obesity on male reproduction using more comprehensive measures.
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