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Newsweek
11-08-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Weight Loss May Improve Pregnancy Odds
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Weight loss interventions for people who are overweight and obese undertaken before turning to IVF could increase the chances of getting pregnant naturally. This is the conclusion of researchers from University of Oxford who reviewed 12 past studies involving nearly 2,000 patients from 1980 to May of this year. They compared a woman's weight to how likely they were to become pregnant either without IVF (unassisted pregnancy), with IVF (treatment-induced pregnancy) and overall (unassisted plus treatment-induced)—as well as whether they delivered a live baby. "All participants in the included studies were candidates for IVF. Before having IVF, they were offered weight loss support. The women who got pregnant naturally, ended up not needing to have IVF," study author and dietician Moscho Michalopoulou told Newsweek. Side view pregnant woman with advanced pregnant belly belly in hands. Side view pregnant woman with advanced pregnant belly belly in criteria included studies conducted on women who were at least 18 years old with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater who were seeking IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment (ICSI) for infertility. "IVF and ICSI are assisted reproductive techniques where oocytes [cells involved in reproduction] are fertilized outside the body, before embryos are transferred back into the woman's womb. The key difference is how the fertilization is achieved," Michalopoulou explained. "Regular IVF egg and sperm are typically mixed in a Petri dish, with ICSI, the sperm is directly injected into the egg." The researchers found that participants were typically women in their early 30s with a median baseline BMI of 33.6 kg/m². The weight loss interventions studied included low-energy diets, an exercise program accompanied by healthy eating advice and pharmacotherapy accompanied by diet and physical activity advice. "Low-energy diets, also known as total diet replacements, typically use liquid formula products to replace real food and induce a much larger energy deficit with total energy intake of no more than 1000 kcal/day, followed by gradual reintroduction of foods for weight stabilization," Michalopoulou explained. She said these are safe for women when supervised and supported to follow such a program, with a lot of literature on the effectiveness of these diets. "In this one study, the main intervention being tested was high-intensity interval training (referenced as Kiel 2018 in the paper). At the same time, participants were advised to eat healthy as per national healthy eating recommendations," said Michalopoulou. In terms of the 'pharmacotherapy' intervention, she added, "Participants were instructed to take weight loss medication which was the main intervention being tested, but at the same time, they were given healthy eating advice or a hypocaloric diet [low in calories], plus advice on how to increase their physical activity, e.g. doing more steps, or doing exercise." Overall, weight loss interventions before IVF were associated with greater unassisted pregnancy rates, according to the researchers. "Regardless of weight loss method used, across all studies, women with obesity who participated in a supported weight loss program before IVF had 47 percent higher chances of getting pregnant naturally, compared to women in the comparator groups who typically received standard care," said Michalopoulou. "Therefore, more women in the intervention than in the comparator groups did not need to have IVF treatment to get pregnant, as they got pregnant naturally." However, evidence was inconclusive on the effect of weight loss interventions on treatment-induced pregnancies. Illustration representing IVF process with eggs fertilized with sperm. Illustration representing IVF process with eggs fertilized with sperm."It is unclear if weight loss interventions before IVF have an effect on the chances of getting pregnant through IVF. In some studies there were more IVF pregnancies in the intervention groups compared to standard care, in some others there were fewer IVF pregnancies compared to standard care—and in some others there was no difference in IVF pregnancy rates compared to standard care," Michalopoulou explained. "This large variability, combined with other methodological issues of the included studies, prevent us from having a clear conclusion on whether weight loss programs before IVF have an effect on IVF-induced pregnancy success or not." Evidence on the association between weight loss interventions before IVF and live births was uncertain—mainly because there were fewer studies that reported live birth outcomes—although there was moderate certainty of no association with pregnancy loss. "Obesity can lead to female infertility through hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, inflammation, and polycystic ovary syndrome. All of these can lead to ovulatory dysfunction," said Michalopoulou. "Obesity has also been associated with lower IVF success for women with infertility, such as requiring higher doses of treatment, reduced response to the medications, reduced chances of getting pregnant, and increased chances of miscarriage if a pregnancy is achieved." "Maintaining a healthier weight can help improve hormone balance, increase insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and improve ovulation. For women seeking IVF, lowering their BMI to healthier levels may improve sensitivity and response to the treatment, improve egg quality and uterine function, and as a result, increase their chances of getting pregnant." However, everyone is different, the researcher noted. "Many larger women will have healthy pregnancies. But evidence shows that starting pregnancy carrying too much weight and gaining too much weight during pregnancy are both associated with greater risks of complications. This does not mean that every woman living with obesity will develop these complications—just that there will likely be more complications than in women who start pregnancy in the normal BMI range" The researchers hope their systematic review and analysis of randomized controlled trials will lead to more advanced trials. "We already know weight loss can help with fertility, but whether it improves IVF outcomes is far less certain. This review sheds some light, but most of the studies are small and at high risk of bias, so the results need cautious interpretation. IVF bypasses many obesity-related barriers, but what is still unclear is if delaying treatment for weight loss truly boosts success rates," said Ying Cheong—a professor of reproductive medicine of the University of Southampton who was not involved in the present study—in a statement. "Weight loss interventions before IVF appear to increase the chances of pregnancy, especially through natural conception, which may negate the need for IVF treatment, and does not seem to increase the risk of pregnancy loss. This offers hope to women with obesity and infertility," Michalopoulou said. "However, the evidence is limited and unclear on whether weight loss interventions before IVF have an effect on live birth rates, and more evidence from larger, high-quality trials is needed to test this." Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about pregnancy? Let us know via health@ Reference Michalopoulou, M., Jebb, S. A., Hobson, A., Khaw, S. C., Stevens, R., Melo, P., Haffner, S. J. P., Clay, K. S., Mounsey, S., Granne, I., Lim, L., Child, T., & Astbury, N. M. (2025). The effect of weight loss before in vitro fertilization on reproductive outcomes in women with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 178(9).
Business Wire
04-08-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
RPMG Welcomes Dr. James Weinberger and Launches Center for Male Fertility
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reproductive Partners Medical Group (RPMG), trusted leader in advanced fertility care and member of the Ivy Fertility network, is proud to announce the September 2025 launch of its new Center for Male Fertility, led by fellowship-trained reproductive urologist Dr. James Weinberger. As the Center's Director, Dr. Weinberger brings deep expertise in male reproductive health and a commitment to providing men with the same high level of care and clarity that RPMG is known for. Fertility is a shared journey, and male fertility deserves just as much care and attention. Share 'Fertility is a shared journey, and male fertility deserves just as much care and attention,' said Dr. Weinberger. 'Our goal is to offer answers and options in a space that's supportive, cutting-edge and designed specifically for men.' Built to meet a growing need in reproductive medicine, the Center for Male Fertility provides men with a dedicated, compassionate space to understand and optimize their reproductive health. Services will include semen analysis, hormone evaluation and optimization, microsurgical sperm retrieval (mTESE), varicocelectomy, vasectomy reversal, and consultative support for couples undergoing IVF or ICSI. As one of just 2% of urologists in the U.S. fellowship-trained in male infertility microsurgery, Dr. Weinberger brings a level of precision and expertise that directly impacts outcomes. His advanced training ensures that men at RPMG receive care that goes beyond the standard. 'Men are ready to be part of the fertility conversation. They just need a place to start,' said Christina Westbrook, COO/CNO of RPMG. 'This Center is about access and shifting how we support the full family-building journey.' Referrals are now being accepted, and patients can schedule a consultation at About Reproductive Partners Medical Group With over 30 years of experience, Reproductive Partners Medical Group (RPMG) is known for delivering evidence-based fertility care. As part of the Ivy Fertility network, a globally respected leader in reproductive medicine, RPMG offers advanced treatments including IVF, IUI, third-party reproduction, and fertility preservation. The practice proudly serves all individuals and families, providing inclusive, expert care regardless of marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. About Ivy Fertility Ivy Fertility is globally recognized as pioneers and innovators in the field of advanced reproductive technologies, in-vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction, andrology, and fertility research. The Ivy Fertility network includes Dallas IVF, Fertility Associates of Memphis, Fertility Centers of Orange County, Idaho Fertility Center, IVF Fertility Center, Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nevada Fertility Center, Northern California Fertility Medical Center, NOVA IVF, Pacific Northwest Fertility, Reproductive Partners Medical Group, San Diego Fertility Center, Utah Fertility Center, and Virginia Fertility & IVF. By developing new procedures, achieving scientific breakthroughs, and teaching the latest techniques, Ivy Fertility upholds its commitment to successful outcomes and continually contributes to the development of the entire fertility community. The Ivy team is passionate about its family-building mission and works tirelessly each day to help patients become parents.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Income Tax Bill: ICSI pitches for considering company secretaries as accountants in taxation laws
Company secretaries ' apex body ICSI on Thursday continued to pitch for recognising its members as accountants and urged the government to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of taxation laws . The comments from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), set up under an Act of Parliament, come against the backdrop of the Parliamentary Select Committee not considering the body's submission to be included in the definition of 'accountant' in the Income Tax Bill . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management Management Cybersecurity Degree Digital Marketing MCA Data Analytics Leadership Project Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science Others MBA others Data Science Healthcare Finance healthcare Product Management PGDM Public Policy CXO Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details In a statement, ICSI said it will continue to advocate recognition of the company secretary profession within the definition of 'accountant', and ensure that the roles and opportunities for company secretaries are effectively incorporated into policy-making processes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo To realise the vision of Viksit Bharat , there is a need for a holistic policy review and the government should undertake a comprehensive overhaul of taxation Laws, with a clear focus on inclusive and future-ready reforms, it noted. The Income Tax Bill, 2025, was introduced in Parliament on February 13 and was referred to the committee, which submitted its report on July 21. Live Events "The Select Committee, while presenting its report before the Lok Sabha, did not consider the profession of company secretary within the definition of 'accountant', citing reasons that the Income Tax Bill, 2025, has been drafted keeping in view the mandate of simplification of provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961. "The submissions made by the ICSI are in the nature of policy change, which is beyond the scope of objectives of the Income Tax Bill, 2025," the statement said.
News18
31-07-2025
- Business
- News18
ICSI pitches for considering company secretaries as accountants in taxation laws
New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Company secretaries' apex body ICSI on Thursday continued to pitch for recognising its members as accountants and urged the government to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of taxation laws. The comments from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), set up under an Act of Parliament, come against the backdrop of the Parliamentary Select Committee not considering the body's submission to be included in the definition of 'accountant' in the Income Tax Bill. In a statement, ICSI said it will continue to advocate recognition of the company secretary profession within the definition of 'accountant', and ensure that the roles and opportunities for company secretaries are effectively incorporated into policy-making processes. To realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, there is a need for a holistic policy review and the government should undertake a comprehensive overhaul of taxation Laws, with a clear focus on inclusive and future-ready reforms, it noted. The Income Tax Bill, 2025, was introduced in Parliament on February 13 and was referred to the committee, which submitted its report on July 21. 'The Select Committee, while presenting its report before the Lok Sabha, did not consider the profession of company secretary within the definition of 'accountant', citing reasons that the Income Tax Bill, 2025, has been drafted keeping in view the mandate of simplification of provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961. 'The submissions made by the ICSI are in the nature of policy change, which is beyond the scope of objectives of the Income Tax Bill, 2025," the statement said. PTI RAM DR DR view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 14:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
25-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
World IVF Day: Here's What A Fertility Specialist Wants You To Know About IVF
IVF may have become a well-known option for couples facing fertility challenges, but there remains a lack of clarity about the process itself. It's often seen as a guaranteed solution, as if it is just a matter of signing up and waiting for a baby. However, the truth is that IVF is a complex medical journey and while it has brought solutions and parenthood to millions, it shows its best results when couples get into the process not only informed, but also emotionally prepared, and aware of both possibilities and limitations. Understanding IVF At its core, IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a series of carefully timed steps. It begins with hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries, to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved in a short procedure under anaesthesia. Once the eggs are collected, they're fertilised with sperm in the lab. A few days later, one or more embryos may be transferred into the uterus. The wait that follows, also known as the two-week wait, is often one of the most emotionally intense parts of the process. Is IVF always successful? One of the biggest myths about IVF is that it is always successful. In truth, success rates vary widely and are influenced by numerous factors. Perhaps most influential is age, particularly for women. Both egg quality and quality decrease with age. That is why younger women under the age of 35 have higher success rates, while older women might require more procedures, more than one attempt or donor eggs. Lifestyle factors matter, too. Smoking, obesity, unmanaged health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, and even high stress can affect both egg and sperm quality. Your fertility specialist may recommend a few months of lifestyle changes before beginning treatment, not as a delay but as a way to improve outcomes. How it affects mental health Another reality people are do not anticipate for is the psychological management of IVF. The procedure can be physically and emotionally challenging, particularly when several cycles are required. Couples could do well to seek assistance either from a counsellor, support group, or simply their partner, and understand that feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted at time is normal. Finally, no two journeys look alike. While one couple might conceive in the first cycle, another might take longer or need additional help with procedures like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), PGT (preimplantation genetic testing), or donor IVF. It isn't about a single protocol but a personalised plan, shaped around each person's unique story. (Dr. Priyanka Yadav, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Jaipur) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
