Obesity also negatively affects reproductive health. The vast majority of overweight women complain of not being able to have a baby, or this process can be a bit of a challenge. Losing weight makes it easier for women to have a baby. In this sense, it is important to treat obesity. While reproductive problems are resolved after obesity surgeries, getting pregnant can become easier. Prof. from the Department of Obesity and Metabolic Surgery at Memorial Şişli Hospital. Dr. Halil Coşkun gave information about the relationship between obesity and reproductive health on the occasion of "22 May European Obesity Day".
Obesity numbers are climbing fast
It is stated that obesity rates have nearly doubled worldwide since 1980. According to the latest figures, it is reported that 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents and 39 million children suffer from obesity. It is predicted that 2025 million people will experience health problems due to overweight and obesity by 167. Obesity is responsible for 44 percent of diabetes and 23 percent of ischemic heart diseases. The diseases caused by obesity do not end there. Many diseases such as cancer and orthopedic problems are associated with obesity. At least 2.8 million adults die each year from overweight or obesity.
Excess weight can cause infertility
Excess weight and obesity also cause infertility in women. According to studies, 3/1 of obese women have menstrual irregularity, but obesity also causes ovulation disorders. As the Body Mass Index increases, the risk of recurrent miscarriage and endometrial cancer increases; It can be observed that this patient group does not respond to the drugs used in IVF treatment. Therefore, obesity must be treated.
Reproductive problems can be solved after bariatric surgery
With lifestyle changes, a healthy and balanced diet, and exercise, obesity can be prevented. Medical nutrition therapy, exercise planning, behavioral therapy, drug therapy and surgical treatment are applied in obesity. In women who are considering obesity surgery, there may be a thought such as “The treatment prevents pregnancy”. Obesity surgery does not prevent pregnancy. On the contrary, there are scientific studies showing that obesity surgeries affect fertility positively. For example; According to a study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing; It has been observed that women with obesity-related fertility (infertility) problems begin to produce eggs regularly after surgery. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that women's polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic and reproductive abnormalities were resolved after bariatric surgery.
Can get pregnant 18 months after surgery
In addition to the positive effects of obesity surgeries on fertility, it is recommended that patients not become pregnant for the first 18 months after the surgery. Pregnancy in the early postoperative period will hinder the patient's ongoing weight loss process. Thus, the woman who naturally focuses all her attention on her baby will not be able to implement the nutrition plan as desired. Moreover; When a woman approaching her ideal weight starts to gain weight again with pregnancy, she may experience stress and this may reflect on her baby. Therefore, pregnancy is a process that needs to be prepared in advance in many aspects.
Obesity surgery does not harm the unborn baby
To date, no problem has been observed in the baby due to obesity surgery. The baby is able to get enough nutrients from his mother in some way. On the other hand, it is possible to encounter patients who become pregnant despite the warning "Do not get pregnant in the first 18 months, make sure to use a birth control method". Most of this patient group consists of patients who have not been pregnant normally for many years. And in general, this group of patients is away from birth control methods because they cannot get pregnant. This shows that obesity surgeries increase fertility.
Nutrition under dietitian control during pregnancy
There is no harm in giving birth to the baby if the pregnancy is undesirable in the early period after bariatric surgery. However, in order to ensure that the nutrition of both the mother and the baby is balanced and to ensure adequate vitamin-mineral intake, it will be beneficial to follow up the pregnancy process with an experienced dietitian.
Be the first to comment