title: Optimizing natural fertility: the role of lifestyle modification.
abstract: Preconception counseling provides an opportunity for health care providers to promote maternal and neonatal health, and to make recommendations regarding the optimization of natural fertility. While educating patients on the negative impact of maternal obesity on fertility and maternal and neonatal health; many health care providers recommend weight loss to reduce these negative outcomes. The recommendations start with lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise. This article focuses on the available evidence regarding lifestyle modifications and fertility, and on the type of lifestyle modifications that health care providers should recommend to patients seeking to optimize their natural fertility.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, Room 10390 Women and Infants' Center, Birmingham, AL 35249-7333, USA. mamclean@uab.edu
authors.forename: Mamie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: Melissa F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Wellons
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003075:Coitus; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D015431:Weight Loss