Impact Of Eating Habits And Physical Activity On The Fertility Of Females

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the eating habits and the level of activity in fertile and infertile female subjects.  Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed to compare the eating habits and level of activity in fertile and infertile female subjects from February 2016 till October 2017. Fertile females (n= 207) and diagnosed infertile (infertile, n=135) between 18 – 40 years were enrolled. Guidelines for the diagnosis of the infertile cohort were the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular and non-contraception intercourse, with normal uterine structure. Questionnaire was used to collect information regarding nutrition and physical activity. Statistical analysis was carried out employing IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentages, Chi-square test was performed for comparison, p value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: With mean age of 31 ± 6 years and mean BMI of 24.6 ± 3.46 kg/m2, infertile females had a significantly high BMI compared with the fertile females. Physical activity of subjects demonstrated that 30.4% were inactive, while 27.2% were physically active. Infertile females (6.5%) did regular exercise however, 44.9% of the fertile females had healthy lifestyle. Females (51%) took meals 3 times a day. Healthy food consumption was once a week while 35% had consumption of fast food was approximately twice a week.  Conclusion: Optimal physical activity and BMI in normal range is positively associated with fertility. Dietary habits such as more intake of fish, fruits and vegetables impacts fertility positively.