Anthropometric Factors

Publications under ‘Anthropometric Factors’ examine the association of body size measurements with fertility and reproductive outcomes.  

Wise LA, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Sørensen HT, Riis A, Hatch EE. An internet-based prospective study of body size and time-to-pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2010; 25(1): 253-64.

In a study of Danish pregnancy planners, World Health Organization categories of overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m²), obese (BMI 30-34 kg/m²), and very obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) were associated with lower fecundability than the normal-weight category (BMI 20-24 kg/m²). Male BMI was not related to fecundability after accounting for female BMI.

McKinnon CJ, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Wesselink AK, Hahn KA, Wise LA. Body mass index, physical activity and fecundability in a North American preconception cohort study. Fertil Steril 2016; 106(2): 451-9.

In a study of North American pregnancy planners, women with BMI ≥35 kg/m² had lower fecundability than women with BMI 18.5-24 kg/m². Higher waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were also associated with lower fecundability. Vigorous physical activity was associated with higher fecundability among overweight and obese women only. Moderate physical activity was associated with higher fecundability among all women.

Hahn KA, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Brogly SB, Sørensen HT, Riis AH, Wise LA. Body size and risk of spontaneous abortion among Danish pregnancy planners. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2014; 28(5): 412-23.

The World Health Organization-defined category for obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) was associated with a higher risk of early pregnancy loss (before 8 gestational weeks) compared with the normal-weight category (BMI 20-24 kg/m²). Women of short stature (<166 cm) and those with a low waist-to-hip ratio also had higher risk of pregnancy loss.