Impact of body mass index and lifestyle factors on semen parameters

Abstract

Background: Subfertility affects ~15% of couples who seek to obtain a pregnancy and male contribution is identified in 20–50% of the cases. One of the key factors attributed to subfertility and infertility is obesity. Adult obesity rate increases with age and its prevalence has been increasing over the recent decades. This study was carried out to evaluate the role of male obesity on the semen parameters. Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted for a period of one year in 2017 in our tertiary care hospital. The study was carried out among 54 men who visited our clinic for evaluation of their fertility status during the study period. A single semen sample was collected from each participant. Height (m) and weight (kg) were recorded on the day of semen collection. Sperm concentration and percent motility was evaluated according to World Health Organization guidelines. Results: Among 54 men analyzed 29 were less than 30 yrs. (53.7%). Majority of the participants were obese (53.7%). The lifestyle history showed that majority were non vegetarians (96.3%), non-alcoholics (68.5%) and non-smokers (81.5%). The mean semen volume was significantly decreased in patients with BMI > 25 as 1.96 (p