A viral video claiming that intense exercise and restrictive eating can lead to infertility has sparked concern among health-conscious individuals. While fitness and healthy eating are vital for overall well-being, experts caution that extreme measures may disrupt reproductive health. To assess the validity of this claim, OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician, and IVF Expert at Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi.
According to Dr. Bajaj, the claim holds some truth. “Exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. However, excessive training, particularly over extended periods, combined with restrictive diets or low body fat, can impair fertility by disrupting hormonal balance,” she explains.
For women, this imbalance may lead to irregular menstrual cycles or, in severe cases, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). In men, it can result in reduced sperm count or quality. However, the effects of exercise on fertility vary from person to person. A moderate, balanced fitness regimen coupled with proper nutrition generally supports reproductive health.
Strenuous exercise, when paired with inadequate energy intake, can create an energy deficit—where the body doesn’t have enough resources to sustain essential functions. Dr. Bajaj explains that the reproductive system is particularly sensitive to this imbalance.
For women, body weight and fat composition play a significant role in fertility. Research suggests that a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 24.9 is optimal for ovulation and fertility. While menarche (the onset of menstruation) requires at least 17% body fat, maintaining ovulation necessitates about 22%. Falling below these thresholds can lead to ovulatory issues and menstrual irregularities, making conception difficult.
Dr. Bajaj highlights that prolonged energy deficits can lower estrogen and progesterone levels, triggering a range of exercise-associated menstrual disturbances (EAMD), such as amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods). These conditions are characterized by prolonged menstrual absences (over three months) or inconsistent cycles lasting 36 to 90 days.
Importantly, Dr. Bajaj notes that exercise itself is not inherently harmful to fertility. “The issue lies in the energy imbalance, not the act of exercising. Metabolic changes caused by energy deficits disrupt the production of reproductive hormones, but recovery is possible by restoring energy balance.”
The key takeaway is that fertility thrives on balance. While fitness and a nutritious diet are essential for overall health, extreme measures can disrupt hormonal stability and reproductive health. Maintaining a sustainable routine that includes moderate exercise, adequate calorie intake, and a healthy BMI can help preserve fertility.
Dr. Bajaj reassures that menstrual irregularities caused by energy deficits are often reversible. “When the energy balance is restored, the reproductive system typically recovers, and normal cycles resume,” she says.
The viral claim underscores an important truth: prioritizing balance is crucial for both fitness and fertility. Avoid extreme approaches, focus on sustainable health practices, and consult a healthcare provider if concerns about reproductive health arise. Remember, a well-rounded, moderate lifestyle is the foundation for long-term wellness and fertility.
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