Infertility
What is it:
Most experts define infertility as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. Women who are able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also said to be infertile.
Who has it:
7+ Million American Women.
Consequences:
Obesity is a known risk factor for ovulation problems and according to 2007 research it also contributes to infertility in women who ovulate normally. Obese women, with BMIs of 30 or more, had the most trouble conceiving during the yearlong observation. For example, a woman with a BMI of 35 was found to be 26% less likely to achieve a spontaneous pregnancy than women who were normal weight or overweight. The 2007 study, led by researcher Jan Willem van der Steeg, MD, of Amsterdam's Academic Medical Center, is among the first to examine the relationship between body weight and infertility in women who ovulate.
health & happiness
(years of potential life lost (YPLL))
