Obesity May Lower Pregnancy Chances

Obese women may be more likely to have fertility problems, according to new research.

Researchers from Adelaide University in Australia said that obese women have changes in their ovaries that could make it hard for eggs to become embryos.

Other work has shown that obese women take longer to get pregnant, even with regular menstrual cycles.

Dr. Rebecca Robker said that fats in the blood and body may change the metabolism of an egg, making it harder for an embryo to develop.

The study followed 96 women getting fertility treatment. Researchers took readings from eggs collected from the women and found chances in metabolite and androgen levels.

"Our research shows that obesity ... changes the environment in the ovary which bathes and nourishes a woman's developing eggs," Robker said.

The study was accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.