Effect of female body mass index on clinical pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization

Introduction: Overweight and obesity might exhibit a great risk of infertility. Nonetheless, the relationship between female body mass index (BMI) and clinical pregnancy after assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the role of female BMI on clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) after In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study conducted in Yasmin IVF Clinic, Ciptomangunkusumo Hospital. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. All couples undergoing IVF cycles between January 2012–July 2016 for whom female weight and height information were available (n = 1177) recruited in the study (n = 1062). The sample were divided into five groups according to Asia Pacific BMI Classification as underweight (BMI: <18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI: 18.5–22.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI: 23–24.9 kg/m²), class I obese (BMI: 25.–29.9 kg/m²), and class II obese (BMI: ≥30 kg/m²). We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors that had a significant effect on CPR. Result: The average of female BMI among the study population was 23.86±3.87 kg/m² (range 15.63–46.02 kg/m²). The CPR in five groups was 26.6%, 29.6%, 34.1%, 37%, and 32.3%. However, results indicated that underweight, overweight and obese had no statistically significant impact on CPR) compared with normal weight. Conclusion: Our findings support that weight status does not influence fecundity among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Given the conflicting research, further studies on BMI and pregnancy success among IVF couples are needed.