the University of Aberdeen examined the semen quality of more than 2,000 men

Fascinating new research presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology conference in Barcelona shows that men could be damaging their sperm by being overweight. The researchers also noted that diabetes could also have a negative effect on the quality of sperm.

The research which was done by the University of Aberdeen saw that men who had an average and normal weight had significantly healthier sperm and larger amounts of it than those men who were overweight or obese. The scientists at the University of Aberdeen examined the semen quality of more than 2,000 men who were trying to have children. When they examined the DNA of the sperm they saw that there was clear damage to it in the heavier men and in those men who suffered from diabetes. It was even suggested by the researchers that a large amount of fat around the testicles could cause the sperm to warm up and that this was the cause of the damage.

Not only were overweight and obese men likely to have poor quality sperm but also those men who were underweight. Poor quality sperm DNA has been connected to higher miscarriage rates, lower embryo quality and even some dangerous childhood illnesses such as cancer.

Those men whose BMI was between 20 and 25, (the ideal place to be) had more seminal fluid and less abnormal sperm than those men with BMI’s of 25+ or BMI’s of less than 20. It is also worth knowing that men who are overweight or obese are much more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction which indirectly will of course affect fertility. Women who are overweight are also known to be less fertile.

So if you are planning a family and are having problems in getting your wife pregnant you may be well advised to shed weight in order to boost the quality of your sperm and erectile function.