Does weight loss improve semen quality and reproductive hormones? Results from a cohort of severely obese men.

Background: A high body mass index (BMI) has been associated with reduced semen quality and male subfecundity, but no studies following obese men losing weight have yet been published. We examined semen quality and reproductive hormones among morbidly obese men and studied if weight loss improved the reproductive indicators.

Methods: In this pilot cohort study, 43 men with BMI > 33 kg/m² were followed through a 14 week residential weight loss program.

Is overweight a risk factor for reduced semen quality and altered serum sex hormone profile?

Objective: To evaluate whether overweight and obesity are related to changes in serum sex hormone concentrations and semen quality.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Data from five previous population-based environmental studies of semen quality were combined into one database at a university hospital in Denmark.