The Effect of Weight Loss Before In Vitro Fertilization on Reproductive Outcomes in Women With Obesity : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Pooled result · Total pregnancy ratesResult — go to the resultRelative risk 1.21 95% CI 1.02–1.44Authors' conclusion
Weight loss interventions before IVF appear to increase the chances of pregnancy, especially unassisted conceptions. However, studies were small, and heterogeneity made it difficult to determine the benefit of any particular intervention.
Study context
- Population
- Women with obesity planning in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Participants
- 1,921 women12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Weight loss interventions before IVF vs no pre-IVF weight loss intervention
- Outcome
- Pregnancy and live birth rates
Methodological detailsrandom-effects meta-analysis, dual independent screening and data extraction, 7 of 12 RCTs had high risk of bias
- Random-effects meta-analysis
- Dual independent screening and data extraction
- 7 of 12 RCTs had high risk of bias
Pooled result
Total pregnancy rates
Relative risk
1.21
95% CI 1.02–1.44
Weight loss interventionvs Control
RR 1.21 (95% CI 1.02–1.44)
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
| Outcome | RR (CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Live birth rates9 studies; very low certainty; effect unclear | 1.15 (0.95–1.40) | |
| Pregnancies from unassisted conception10 studies | 1.47 (1.26–1.73) | |
| 0.512Relative risk (log scale) |
Pregnancies resulting solely from IVF
- Effect on pregnancies resulting solely from IVF was uncertain
Safety
| Outcome | RR (CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy loss rates8 studies; moderate certainty; not associated | 1.05 (0.98–1.13) | |
| 0.512Relative risk (log scale) |
Original publication
The Effect of Weight Loss Before In Vitro Fertilization on Reproductive Outcomes in Women With Obesity : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. Published 12 August 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →