Fat men more likely to be infertile

Piling on the pounds can cut a man’s chances of becoming a dad.

But it’s not because they find it harder to find a mate – although that is certainly a factor!
It’s because fat men are more likely to be infertile.

Well, at least, that’s according to new study, which found that obese men tended to have poorer quality sperm.

So as well as a higher risk of diabetes and heart attacks, obese men also have to put with the fact they are more likely to be shooting blanks.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, looked at the sperm of 5,000 men in couples who were struggling to have a baby.

What they found is that the heavier men tended to have a higher proportion of abnormal sperm compared to their leaner mates and colleagues and that losing weight could boost your chances of becoming a father.

The heaviest and lightest men also had the lowest sperm counts, they told the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona this week.

Lead researcher Dr Ghiyath Shayeb said the figures had taken into account such lifestyle factors as drinking and smoking.

He said: “Our findings are quite independent of any other factors and seem to suggest that men who are trying for a baby with their partners should first try to achieve an ideal body weight.

“There is a very long list of problems the overweight and obese will face in their lifetime, including an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“We can add to this list now poor sperm quality.”

So how did they come up with this?

OK, so why are fat men less likely to become dads?

One theory is that too much fat around the testicles could cause them to heat up, thereby producing poorer quality sperm. Not exactly the image I wanted in my head right now, I admit.

Others suggest it is related to poor diet or lifestyle. But Dr Shayeb admitted he hasn’t got a clue.

“We just don’t know the answer yet but this is an important question that needs urgent attention,” he said.

Chop! Chop!