Happy 2017! Like many others, I use the new year as a time to reflect on what I can continue to improve on. The global obesity crisis is real and it is common for weight loss to be a new year’s resolution. Although the risks of infertility and pregnancy complications is understood with female obesity, men have largely been left out of these discussions until now.
A new study released by the NIH suggests that dad’s weight also has a significant influence on child development. Children of obese parents may be at risk for developmental delays. The study found that children of obese fathers were more likely to fail developmental tests, like measures of social competence or problem solving ability.
It is not known why parental obesity might increase children’s risk for developmental delay. But if you or your partner are obese, now is the time to re-consider what you can do to become healthier.
Wishing you all a healthy and fertile 2017!
Enhancing Fertility 