Professor Alex Miras explores obesity and female infertility

This afternoon at the Obesity & Weight Management Alliance Conference, Professor Alex Miras delivered an insightful talk on obesity and female infertility, with a focus on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Professor Miras highlighted that even a small amount of weight loss can increase the chance of live birth by around 5 per cent. He discussed the role of medications in supporting sustainable weight loss, improving fertility outcomes for women living with obesity and PCOS.

However, he also addressed concerns around research on weight-loss medications and pregnancy, noting that studies, based on animal models, have raised questions about growth restrictions and congenital malformations. Current guidance advises that medications should be stopped prior to conception.

In addition to medication, he explored the impact of bariatric surgery on fertility, discussing how to support women with PCOS who become pregnant after surgery.

Professor Miras concluded with an optimistic outlook, stating that pharmacotherapy is showing promising effects in improving outcomes for women living with obesity and PCOS, making it an area of growing interest in obesity treatment.