Behaviour Change Programme for Couples With Fertility Problems
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Needs of Couples Experiencing Fertility Problems: Weight Status, Diet, Activity and Intentions for Change.
IRAS ID
229698
Contact name
Gertraud Stadler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Infertility (being unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of unprotected, regular intercourse) is a problem for a substantial number of people, with an estimated predominance rate for women in the UK of 14-26%. Rising obesity levels in the general population are related to lower fertility in both women and men, with an even higher infertility risk for couples where both partners are overweight. In addition, obesity is related to poorer outcomes of fertility treatment.
Weight loss interventions in women experiencing fertility problems have revealed mixed results to date, with some studies showing increased chances of naturally conceiving and reduced need for fertility treatment, whilst others have found no effect of weight loss.Mixed results, together with an absence of interventions for men, highlight a need for further investigation. A review of existing research has emphasised the requirement to focus on sustained weight maintenance rather than just short-term weight loss.
Also, previous research examining fertility and weight loss have not addressed the role of social support. Beyond fertility, studies have shown that women who have received social support from friends and family are more likely to lose weight.
Although initial evidence showing that weight loss in men and women may benefit fertility is promising, further research is required to better understand the needs of people experiencing infertility. This needs assessment therefore aims to gain further insight into diet, physical activity and weight in women and men experiencing fertility problems, where there is an issue with overweight. We will also explore attitudes to diet and exercise, in terms of people's perceptions of the social pressures involved and barriers they encounter when carrying out a particular behaviour, as well as intentions to change their behaviour. Finally, we will look at social support and its relationship with diet and physical activity.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0435
Date of REC Opinion
15 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion