The Role of Body Fat in the Regulation of Male Fertility
Author(s)
Olivia Kulcsár, BSc1, Fruzsina Péter, MSc1, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD2, József Bódis, MD, PhD3, Éva Polyák, PhD1.
1Institution of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institution of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: The global increase in the prevalence of obesity has drawn increasing attention to the relationship between body weight and reproductive health.This review aims to elucidate the relationship between visceral obesity and male fertility.
METHODS: This review is based on a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, identified through systematic searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on relevance, quality, and contribution to the topic.
RESULTS: Excessive body fat contributes to male subfertility through multiple physiological mechanisms. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ; enhanced aromatase activity within fat tissue lowers free testosterone levels while increasing estrogen concentrations and inducing leptin resistance, collectively disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Furthermore, inflammatory mediators secreted by visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues elevate oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage in sperm cells and negatively affecting sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additionally, fat accumulation in the lower abdomen raises the scrotal temperature, which further impairs spermatogenesis. Recent studies have also identified epigenetic alterations in the spermatozoa of obese men that may adversely affect the health of their offspring.
CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the metabolic, hormonal, and cellular effects of increased body fat collectively diminish the male reproductive capacity, highlighting the importance of normalizing body fat in addition to weight management in the prevention and treatment of male infertility.
METHODS: This review is based on a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, identified through systematic searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on relevance, quality, and contribution to the topic.
RESULTS: Excessive body fat contributes to male subfertility through multiple physiological mechanisms. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ; enhanced aromatase activity within fat tissue lowers free testosterone levels while increasing estrogen concentrations and inducing leptin resistance, collectively disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Furthermore, inflammatory mediators secreted by visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues elevate oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage in sperm cells and negatively affecting sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additionally, fat accumulation in the lower abdomen raises the scrotal temperature, which further impairs spermatogenesis. Recent studies have also identified epigenetic alterations in the spermatozoa of obese men that may adversely affect the health of their offspring.
CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the metabolic, hormonal, and cellular effects of increased body fat collectively diminish the male reproductive capacity, highlighting the importance of normalizing body fat in addition to weight management in the prevention and treatment of male infertility.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH254
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Reproductive & Sexual Health