Lowering the BMI Can Improve Older Men's Fertility

In 10 seconds? It’s worthwhile to stay lean into older age if you are a male who wants kids – researchers found that losing extra pounds improves sperm quality.

What’s the story? Evidence of a global decline in human sperm quality over recent decades has been accumulating. Environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors contribute to this phenomenon. In this context, BMI emerged as a critical factor among older men, with molecular mechanisms underlying the complex testicular changes associated with the exacerbation by concurrent chronic conditions such as obesity. But a recent study says – pardon the pun - “old dogs can still do some tricks”. To be less cryptic: after two weeks of shedding around 36lbs, men’s sperm counts increased by 40 per cent (with sperm count being a key factor in fertility).