Obesity is a growing health concern in the modern era witnessing an increasing global prevalence over the last thirty years.
Are you an adult dealing with major health issues as a result of your weight? Have you tried diet and exercise but haven’t lost much weight? If you responded yes to these questions, a prescription weight-loss medication may be right for you.
Let’s look more closely at how your weight may be hurting your reproductive health. Did you realize that your weight may significantly affect your fertility? Maintaining a healthy weight is not only beneficial to your overall health but also plays a significant part in your fertility journey.
So, let’s dive into the world of weight loss medications and explore how they might affect your reproductive health.
Weighing the options: Medications and fertility
If you’ve decided to take control of your health and shed some extra pounds – here is a word of caution. Before you grab for that bottle of weight reduction pills, it’s critical to understand how these prescriptions may affect fertility. There are several weight reduction drugs on the market, each having its own intended effects and potential negative effects.
The truth is, while weight reduction medicines might help you lose those obstinate pounds, they can also have an impact on your reproductive system. Some weight loss drugs for women might disrupt ovulation or change hormone levels. Before beginning any weight reduction drug, it is critical to thoroughly assess the benefits and drawbacks, especially if you are attempting to conceive.
A closer look at risks and benefits
No medication is without side effects, which is why it is critical to understand the unique risks and advantages of utilizing weight reduction medications, particularly in terms of reproductive health. On the one hand, losing weight can improve your general health and boost your chances of getting pregnant naturally or with reproductive treatments. Certain drugs, on the other hand, may have negative effects that may interfere with your reproductive health.
Some weight reduction drugs may alter hormone levels in ways that might disrupt conception. Before making any decisions, consult with your healthcare physician about these dangers and consider them against the potential advantages of weight reduction.
Lifestyle changes for long-term weight management
While hundreds of fad diets and weight-loss programs make tall claims, the most effective strategy to lose and keep weight off is to adopt long-term lifestyle changes. These include eating a well-balanced diet and increasing daily physical activity.
Your first step towards a healthy lifestyle is to eat healthy which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. Limit or avoid foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients, like processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and fatty cuts of meat. Along with a nutritious diet, make it a practice to move more each day. Physical activity burns calories and increases your metabolic rate. Remember to watch out your portion size, be more aware of when you feel full and avoid eating while watching TV or using your phone. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, and strength training exercises at least twice a week.
A good night’s sleep is equally essential in your journey to long term healthy weight management. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens before bed, and avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine a few hours before bed.
Lastly, make reachable goals. Start with one or two small changes and add more once they become your new way of life.
Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi