http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/114574.php

Obese men should consider losing weight if they want to have children, a scientist told the 24th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

“We felt that it was possible that male overweight might contribute to fertility problems,” he said, “particularly since it is a known risk factor for problems in conceiving among women.” “Other studies have suggested an association between male obesity and increased DNA damage in the sperm, which can be associated with reduced fertility as well,” said Dr. Shayeb.

The semen analysis showed that the men in Group B, who had an optimal BMI (20-25, as classified by WHO), had higher levels of normal sperm than those in the other groups. They also had higher semen volume. There was no significant difference between the four BMI groups in sperm concentration or motility.

“There has been a significant rise in the numbers of men with poorer semen parameters in the industrialised world,” said Dr. Shayeb, “but this has not been reflected so far in male infertility. To compare male BMI in these two groups therefore seemed to us to be a logical next step.”

“Adopting a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will, in the vast majority of cases, lead to a normal BMI. We are pleased to be able to add improved semen quality to the long list of benefits that we know are the result of an optimal body weight.”