Recent studies have found a link between male fertility problems and obesity. In fact, being overweight or obese is one of the central causes of male infertility and more specifically, of sperm health problems.

Studies revealed that men with a higher body mass index (BMI) had a significantly higher risk of being infertile compared with men considered to be normal weight.

Individuals with a lot of muscle sometimes have higher BMIs due to the fact that muscle tissue weighs more than fat tissue.

A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be normal for adults while a BMI of more than 25 is considered to be overweight. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of more than 30 while morbid obesity is characterized by a BMI of 40 or higher.

The potential for obese males to have a reduce sperm count does exist. For instance, obesity can lower levels of the male hormone testosterone (which is directly linked to sperm count) that is converted to estrogen by fat cells. Obese males can also develop an “apron of fat” around the genital area –heating up the testicles and potentially reducing sperm numbers.

In addition, obesity can have a number of other effects on male fertility:

• Hormonal imbalance

• Increased scrotal temperature

• Decreased libido

• Obesity in general can often lead to poor health.

It is important to maintain good overall health in order to reduce the risk of male fertility problems and in order to maintain good reproductive health. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly are important steps in reducing weight can help to achieve a healthy weight as well as improve sperm health.