Childhood adiposity and fertility difficulties: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Adult obesity is associated with infertility; however, childhood obesity has received little consideration.

OBJECTIVES: The present study sought to evaluate the impact of childhood adiposity on fertility.

METHODS: Associations between childhood adiposity and self-reported fertility difficulties were estimated among women participating in a long-term study of cardiovascular risks and reproductive health (n = 1061).

RESULTS: Participants with obesity between ages 9 and 12 were more likely to report fertility difficulties (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.82, 95% CI 1.17-2.82) and inability to become pregnant when trying (aRR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.22-3.08) as were those with obesity prior to age 9 (aRR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.97). Similar associations were seen among those ever overweight or obese in childhood. High subscapular skinfold thickness (age < 12) increased risk of receiving help becoming pregnant (aRR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.15-4.06), inability to become pregnant (aRR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.05-2.04) and any fertility difficulties (aRR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13-2.14); associations for triceps skinfold were attenuated. Participants with increased adiposity also had fewer pregnancies and live births. Effects persisted, excluding women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: This study supports an association between childhood adiposity and infertility, not solely driven by polycystic ovarian syndrome.