How weight (BMI) shapes fertility outcomes

In this episode, I sit down with one of my former mentors and professors, Dr. Alan Penzias, Medical Director at Boston IVF and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, to discuss his recent editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine titled "The Weighty Issue of Obesity and Reproductive Success."

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

We dive deep into how age and weight factor into the fertility equation and why these conversations are so critical for anyone trying to conceive. Dr. Penzias shares his decades of experience helping patients navigate the complex intersection of body mass index, maternal age, and reproductive success, offering practical guidance on when to seek treatment and how to optimize your health before trying to get pregnant.

In this episode, we cover:

• How age remains the strongest predictor of fertility success and why both partners should consider timing
• The U-shaped curve of BMI and fertility: why both low and high body mass index can impact conception
• Practical strategies for doctors for discussing weight and fertility with patients in a shame-free, empowering way
• When to prioritize immediate fertility treatment versus taking time for weight optimization based on age
• The role of GLP-1 medications (like Tirzepatide) in fertility treatment and safe protocols for use Why unexplained infertility may have hidden explanations related to weight and metabolic health
• The "do the as if" philosophy: building sustainable health habits one step at a time

Resources:

• Dr. Alan Penzias and Boston IVF: BostonIVF.com
• Dr. Penzias's editorial: "The Weighty Issue of Obesity and Reproductive Success" - Annals of Internal Medicine https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-02742
• Dr. Penzias's YouTube video: "Evidence-Based Approach to Unexplained Infertility" https://youtu.be/9j4lNvmaXts?si=zmMFZFOno0sWnhcn
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Practice Committee resources on overweight and fertility https://www.asrm.org/
• Dr. Stephanie Fein - Fertility Weight Loss Specialist: https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/
• Hillary Wright, Nutritionist at Boston IVF: https://www.bostonivf.com/physicians/hillary-wright

Do you have questions about IVF?Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org. Other ways to connect with Dr. Aimee and The Egg Whisperer Show: Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates