Male obesity and semen quality: Any association?

Abstract

Background:Infertility as well as obesity are risng global concern. Whilst there is an established association between female obesity and infertility, a similar link is yet to be proven in men.Objective:To determine the effects of elevated body mass index (BMI) on semen quality among male partners of infertile couples attending an infertility clinic.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 206 men who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Selected participants were grouped according to their BMI (kg/m2): normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and elevated BMI (≥25 kg/m2). The effect of weight on semen quality was assessed based on sperm count, percentage motility, and morphology.Results:The number of participants with normal BMI was 110 (53.4%) while those with elevated BMI were 96 (46.6%). Of the participants in elevated BMI group, 52 (25.2%) were overweight and 44 (21.4%) were obese. There was no statistically significant difference in the semen quality as well as the pattern of semen parameter abnormalities between males with normal and elevated BMI (overweight or obese) (p=0.813).Conclusion:Elevated BMI did not significantly influence semen quality.

Association of lifestyle factors with semen quality: A pilot study conducted in men from the Portuguese Trás‐os‐Montes and Alto Douro region followed in fertility support consultations

“…Regarding our results, it appears that only being obese may affect sperm parameters, since normal and overweight men showed similar spermatic parameters ( p > .05), as observed on a recent study. Rufus, James, and Michael () reported similar total sperm count, motility and morphology between 110 men with normal weight and 96 men with elevated weight (52 overweight and 44 obese) who attended an infertility clinic.…”

Body mass index and age correlate with antioxidant supplementation effects on sperm quality: Post hoc analyses from a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial

“…All of these hormonal alterations can affect sperm parameters by acting on mitochondrial function, DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress and increased likelihood of miscarriage (Engin‐Ustun et al, ). On the other hand, some authors reported that an association between BMI and male fertility cannot be established and patients should be reassured that semen quality is not affected by obesity (Rufus et al, ). Even some meta‐analyses are contradictory, reporting in one case a statistically significant association between body weight and semen parameters, while in other studies no relation was found (MacDonald, Herbison, Showell, & Farquhar, ; Sermondade et al, ).…”

“…Even metabolic processes and cellular energy production are negatively affected over time (Labat-Robert & Robert, 2015;Russell & Kahn, 2007). Thus, ageing and obesity increase the onset of metabolic imbalances, leading to a reduced lifespan and accelerated cellular degradation processes such as deterioration of the structure and function of organs associated with genetic instability and disturbance of homeostatic pathways (Ahima, 2009 reported that an association between BMI and male fertility cannot be established and patients should be reassured that semen quality is not affected by obesity (Rufus et al, 2018). Even some meta-analyses are contradictory, reporting in one case a statistically significant association between body weight and semen parameters, while in other studies no relation was found (MacDonald, Herbison, Showell, & Farquhar, 2010;Sermondade et al, 2013).…”

“…A recent meta‐analysis analysing sperm counts in men seeking care for fertility problems in developed countries during the period from 1973 to 2011 showed that sperm counts have decreased by 50%–60% (Levine et al, ). Causes for these changes are lifestyle factors and global changes in our eating habits with increasing evidence of obesity, which is associated with infertility and several medical conditions (Porreca et al, ; Rufus, James, & Michael, ). While an association between obesity and female infertility has been clearly proven (Pinborg et al, ), a definitive association with male infertility is still lacking.…”

“…Nevertheless, a relationship can be postulated when examining the decline in male fertility and the concomitant increase in obesity (Verón et al, ). The potential relationship between male infertility and obesity could be due to a decrease in androgen secretion resulting in poorer semen quality and a deterioration in mitochondrial activity (Rufus et al, ). Male age could be another factor negatively influencing male fertility.…”