By : Widad Emir Muhammad Arif Emir

Did you know that about half of all infertility cases involve men? One big factor that has been popping up in discussions is obesity. This is not just a problem in certain parts of the world, obesity is a global issue that affects both rich and developing countries. In Malaysia, it is a growing concern, with more adults and young generations facing weight issues. Although recent surveys show the rate of obesity is increasing more slowly, it is still a significant health challenge we cannot ignore.

So, why should we care? Well, obesity doesn’t just impact our waistlines; it can also mess with our fertility. For men, being overweight is linked to lower sperm quality, which means fewer healthy sperm. This can lead to issues when trying to conceive. But it’s not just men who are affected, women also can experience hormonal imbalances and ovulation problems due to excess weight. Let’s bust some common myths surrounding infertility and obesity:

1. Myth: Infertility is Always a Woman's Issue
   Fact: Infertility affects both genders equally. In fact, male factors contribute to about 50% of infertility cases. Conditions like obesity can impact sperm quality and overall reproductive health in men.
2. Myth: Losing a Few Pounds Will Fix Infertility
   Fact: While achieving a healthy weight can improve fertility, it’s not a guaranteed fix. Infertility is complex and can be influenced by various factors beyond weight, including age, genetics, and medical conditions.
3. Myth: Only Older Women Face Infertility
   Fact: While age is a significant factor for women, men can also experience fertility issues as they age. Older men may face decreased sperm quality and hormonal changes that affect fertility.
4. Myth: All Obesity is Due to Poor Choices
   Fact: Obesity is often influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors. It’s essential to recognize that it’s not just a matter of willpower.

The science behind how obesity impacts fertility is interesting. While we don’t know everything about how it works on a molecular level, researchers have found that factors like oxidative stress and inflammation are often at play (Pini et al., 2020). These can interfere with how our bodies produce sperm and regulate hormones, leading to fertility struggles.

What Can We Do About It?

Here’s the good news: we can take steps to improve our fertility by tackling obesity. A healthy lifestyle is key! This means eating well and staying active. But there is more to it than just diet and exercise. Have you ever heard of Nigella sativa (black seed) and Moringa oleifera (moringa)? These medicinal plants are gaining attention for their antioxidant benefits. Studies suggest that they can help improve reproductive health by boosting sperm quality and overall hormone balance (Ahmad et al., 2020; Mohlala et al., 2023).

Nigella sativa is particularly interesting because it contains thymoquinone, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Rahman et al., 2017). Research shows that it may help enhance sperm quality, protect against oxidative stress, and improve overall reproductive health in both men and women (Ikuomola et al., 2024). Regularly incorporating Nigella sativa into your diet could be a natural way to support your fertility efforts.

Moringa oleifera is also noteworthy. It fights oxidative stress (which can harm fertility) and may help with sexual health by enhancing libido and improving reproductive function (Camilleri & Blundell, 2024). Together, these plants could provide a natural boost to your reproductive health journey.

In Malaysia, there are many initiatives aimed at tackling obesity, like the National Plan of Action for Nutrition of Malaysia III 2021-2025 and various healthy lifestyle campaigns. These efforts encourage everyone to adopt better habits to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health, which can also help with fertility.

So, if you’re looking to boost your reproductive health, think about making some small changes. A healthier lifestyle, combined with the potential benefits of medicinal plants like Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera, might just make a difference. Let’s tackle this obesity challenge together and pave the way for healthier futures!

Date of Input: 24/10/2024 | Updated: 20/01/2026 | nm_aini