Television personality and comedian Bharti Singh recently announced her second pregnancy, bringing waves of congratulations from fans and the entertainment industry alike. But beyond the celebrations, her news has also sparked an important health conversation — can women who are overweight or obese conceive naturally, and what challenges might they face?
For many women, especially those who struggle with weight issues, fertility often feels like a complex and emotionally charged subject. Weight — particularly when it falls outside the “ideal” BMI range — is frequently discussed in connection with reproductive health. Yet, as Bharti’s story shows, conception is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Experts emphasize that while weight can influence fertility, being overweight doesn’t necessarily mean a woman can’t get pregnant naturally. Here’s what science and doctors have to say about how body weight affects conception, pregnancy health, and long-term outcomes.
The Link Between Weight and Fertility
Medical research has consistently shown that both underweight and overweight women may experience irregular ovulation, which can make conception more challenging. Excess body fat can alter the balance of reproductive hormones like estrogen, insulin, and leptin, potentially interfering with the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
According to obstetricians, obesity may lead to a condition called anovulation, where the ovaries fail to release an egg during the menstrual cycle. This is particularly common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and insulin resistance.
However, experts also clarify that not all overweight women have fertility problems. Many conceive naturally without medical assistance, especially if their menstrual cycles are regular and they maintain a generally healthy lifestyle. The degree of impact largely depends on factors like where the fat is distributed, overall metabolic health, and age.
“Body weight alone doesn’t determine fertility,” explains Dr. Meena Agrawal, a Delhi-based gynecologist. “Many overweight women ovulate regularly and conceive naturally. What matters more is metabolic health — blood sugar levels, thyroid balance, and hormone function.”
Bharti Singh’s Case: Challenging Stereotypes
Bharti Singh, who has been open about her body image and lifestyle struggles, has once again broken stereotypes by embracing motherhood confidently. Her story is particularly relevant in a society where women are often told that their weight determines their ability to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.
She had previously spoken about maintaining an active lifestyle and balancing work with motherhood after the birth of her first child, Gola. Her second pregnancy announcement has reignited public discussion on how body positivity and health awareness can coexist, especially for women planning families later in life.
Experts say that Bharti’s case highlights an important truth — fertility is multifactorial. While weight can influence it, other variables like age, ovulatory function, partner’s sperm health, and lifestyle habits play equally crucial roles.
How Excess Weight Affects Ovulation and Hormones
Let’s break down what happens inside the body. Fat tissue isn’t just stored energy — it’s metabolically active, meaning it produces hormones and inflammatory compounds. When body fat increases beyond a certain level, it can disrupt hormonal balance.
- Estrogen imbalance: Fat cells produce estrogen. Too much estrogen can suppress the hormones that trigger ovulation.
- Insulin resistance: Being overweight often leads to high insulin levels, which can interfere with ovulation and stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones).
- Leptin dysregulation: Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, helps regulate appetite and energy balance. Excess leptin levels can disrupt the reproductive hormone cascade.
This hormonal disruption doesn’t always cause infertility, but it can reduce the frequency of ovulation or make cycles unpredictable — making it harder to pinpoint fertile days.
Weight and Assisted Reproduction (IVF, IUI)
For women who struggle to conceive naturally, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer hope. However, weight can still play a role in success rates.
Studies show that IVF success rates decline in women with a BMI above 30, primarily due to lower egg quality and implantation challenges. Overweight women may also require higher doses of fertility medication and experience a higher risk of complications during egg retrieval or embryo transfer.
That said, many overweight and even obese women go through IVF successfully — especially with medical supervision and lifestyle support. Fertility specialists usually recommend achieving even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) to improve ovulation and increase chances of conception.
“The goal isn’t to reach a perfect number on the scale,” says Dr. Richa Sharma, a fertility consultant. “Even small, sustainable improvements in diet, activity, and insulin control can dramatically improve fertility outcomes.”
Risks During Pregnancy for Overweight Women
While conception is possible, pregnancy in overweight women can come with certain risks that require closer monitoring. Doctors advise proactive management and regular antenatal checkups to ensure both maternal and fetal health.
Some of the common risks include:
- Gestational Diabetes: High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications and larger birth weight in babies.
- High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia: Overweight women have a higher risk of developing hypertension-related pregnancy issues.
- Preterm Birth: Excess weight may contribute to early delivery in some cases.
- Delivery Complications: C-sections are more common in overweight women due to fetal size or slower labor progression.
- Postpartum Recovery: Weight can impact recovery, wound healing, and breastfeeding comfort.
Despite these risks, many women with higher BMI have healthy pregnancies with proper medical care, balanced nutrition, and regular monitoring.
“What’s crucial is consistent prenatal care,” adds Dr. Sharma. “If blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight gain are well managed, overweight women can have safe and successful pregnancies.”
Tips for Overweight Women Trying to Conceive Naturally
If you’re overweight and planning to conceive, these doctor-backed strategies can help support your fertility journey:
- Get a Preconception Check-Up: Test for thyroid, insulin, and reproductive hormones to identify hidden imbalances.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid refined carbs and processed sugar.
- Exercise Regularly: Even 30 minutes of brisk walking or yoga can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can indirectly impact ovulation. Try mindfulness or meditation.
- Avoid Extreme Diets: Sudden weight loss or restrictive diets can harm hormonal function. Sustainable habits work better.
- Track Ovulation: Apps or ovulation kits can help identify fertile windows even with irregular cycles.
- Seek Medical Advice Early: If you’ve been trying for 6–12 months without success, consult a fertility specialist.
When Weight Loss Helps — and When It Doesn’t
While doctors encourage achieving a healthy BMI, weight loss isn’t a magic fix for all fertility issues. In some cases, conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalance may persist even after weight reduction. Similarly, underweight women may struggle due to nutritional deficiencies or low estrogen levels.
The goal is not perfection but hormonal stability. Balanced nutrition, regular movement, and mental well-being are more important than rapid weight loss.
Body Positivity and Fertility: Finding Balance
Bharti Singh’s story resonates deeply in today’s world of body positivity. Her pregnancy journey challenges stereotypes that equate thinness with fertility and health. It’s a reminder that women’s bodies are diverse — and that wellness can look different for everyone.
Doctors agree that while maintaining a healthy weight is ideal for reproductive health, shaming or fear-based messaging around fertility can be counterproductive. Instead, the focus should be on empowerment through awareness — understanding your body, monitoring your health markers, and making informed choices.
“Every woman’s fertility journey is unique,” says Dr. Agrawal. “What’s important is compassion — both from healthcare providers and from oneself.”
Bharti Singh’s second pregnancy isn’t just happy news for her fans — it’s also a reminder that fertility is not defined by a number on the scale. While weight can influence hormones and reproductive health, many overweight women conceive naturally and go on to have healthy pregnancies.
The key lies in awareness, proactive healthcare, and lifestyle balance. With proper guidance, early diagnosis of hormonal issues, and consistent medical monitoring, women of all body types can embrace motherhood safely and confidently.
