Incidence of Successful Pregnancy After Weight Loss Interventions in Infertile Women: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature

Obes Surg. 2016 Feb;26(2):443-51. doi: 10.1007/s11695-015-1998-7.

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of weight loss interventions on pregnancy rate. A systematic review with meta-analysis of literature has been performed to evaluate the incidence of successful pregnancy after bariatric interventions in infertile women. By pooling together data from 589 infertile obese women, we have been able to provide an aggregate estimation of successful pregnancy after weight loss interventions. Our results showed an impressive high incidence (58%) of infertile women who become spontaneously pregnant after surgery. Based on our results, bariatric interventions could be included in the treatment of obesity-related infertility. However, the results must be interpreted with caution owning to the quality of the data provided by included studies. Further ad hoc studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of bariatric interventions on reproductive function.

Keywords: BMI; Bariatric; Fertility; Infertility; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / surgery*
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / surgery*
  • Pregnancy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy Rate*
  • Weight Loss