New debate: is it time for infertility weight-loss programmes to be couple-based?

Abstract

With obesity on the rise in the general population, it has also become more prevalent among people of reproductive age. Weight loss has shown benefits in overweight women and men experiencing fertility problems. However, the existing weight-loss interventions for individuals with infertility are associated with high drop-out rates and limited success. In this article, we argue for the development of weight-loss programmes targeting couples, as couples are routinely seen in fertility clinics, rather than individuals. Couples may have correlated weights, and similar eating and activity patterns. Involving both partners may facilitate mutual support, behaviour change, weight loss and programme continuation, at very little additional cost. A successful couple-based intervention could improve the chances of achieving pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby, with a reduction in pregnancy complications. In the longer run, both partners and their baby could benefit from maintained behaviour change with better health across the lifespan. We conclude that there is a need for research to systematically develop a couple-based weight-loss intervention with state-of-the-art design that is tailored to both partners' needs.

Turning waiting time into treatment time: Weight reduction by a lifestyle intervention programme for patients with obesity before fertility treatment

“…Third, although purposely designed to include both individuals and couples with obesity in the lifestyle intervention programme, possible effects of this difference among participants were not apparent and were included in the statistical model as a random effect factor. Further research is needed, as also previously suggested by other researchers 43 . Fourth, the study was conducted during a period of COVID‐19 lockdown in Denmark.…”

“…Further research is needed, as also previously suggested by other researchers. 43 Fourth, the study was conducted during a period of COVID-19 lockdown in Denmark. This may have influenced weight loss.…”

The needs of subfertile couples continuing to attempt natural conception: in-depth interviews

“…The fact that both interviewed men and women were interested in sexual advice and exercises and wanted both partners to be involved is relevant. Partner participation increased the effectiveness of a sexual advice programme for female sexual dysfunction ( Hurlbert et al , 1993 ) and is expected to increase the adherence of subfertile couples to psychosocial interventions ( Martins et al , 2014 ; Luk and Loke, 2016 ; Best et al , 2017 ).…”

The effectiveness of weight‐loss lifestyle interventions for improving fertility in women and men with overweight or obesity and infertility: A systematic review update of evidence from randomized controlled trials

“…Where necessary, this should be acknowledged and studies or interventions aimed at improving fertility in couples actively seeking pregnancy, developed accordingly. In the fertility context, unlike any other, couples attend together for appointments and support each other during treatment 74 . A couple‐based approach to weight loss would be feasible and acceptable in this context.…”