Association of Anthropometric Obesity Measures With Semen Parameters in Male Partners of Infertile Couples Without Identifiable Clinical Risk Factors.

Plain-language summary

This study looked at how different measures of obesity relate to semen quality in men from infertile couples who had no other known fertility risks. It compared body mass index (BMI), waist size, and other fat-distribution measures against sperm counts and movement in 100 men aged 21-50. The researchers found that higher BMI and waist-based measures were linked to lower sperm counts and poorer movement, with waist measures showing a slightly weaker link than BMI. Sperm movement was the most affected, while semen volume stayed about the same across weight groups.

Key findings

• Higher body mass index was linked to lower sperm concentration, total sperm count, and sperm movement.
• Waist size and other belly fat measures showed moderate links to worse sperm quality.
• Sperm movement was the most affected by obesity, while semen volume stayed mostly unchanged.