Male infertility and obesity - association and physiopathology

Obesity has been implicated as being associated with male infertility in recent studies. This association has been extensively demonstrated in women, involving synergistic mechanisms of action, mainly related to reduced capacity of ovulation. However, in men, the studies are controversial as reduced fertility and possible mechanisms of action. Although epidemiological studies indicate a correlation between male obesity and infertility, the relevance of this association and mechanisms of action remain unknown. According to recent meta-analysis, there is strong evidence that high levels of BMI occur concomitantly with decreased levels of testosterone, SHBG and free testosterone, but no evidence of significant association between high BMI and sperm changes to the present time.