A link between body fat, its distribution and lifestyle and sperm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining the correlation between anthropometric variables and some lifestyle factors and semen analysis parameters in men undergoing fertility investigations
IRAS ID
212726
Contact name
Konstancja Neville
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southampton General Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 27 days
Research summary
The study is looking at a potential link between body fat, its distribution and some lifestyle factors and sperm parameters. The effects of weight on fertility have been largely reported for women. For example, female obesity has been connected to hormonal imbalances, lack of ovulation, increased risk of miscarriage, as well as worse fertility treatment outcomes. However, there is still some uncertainty as to whether weight, body fat distribution and some lifestyle choices have an impact on male fertility. For example, while some studies report a negative effect of obesity on sperm parameters, others show no such association. The aim of the study is to investigate whether there is a link between weight, body fat distribution and some lifestyle factors and sperm parameters.
The study seeks to enrol male patients above 18 years old who are having their semen analysed at the Complete Fertility Center based in Princess Anne Hospital, Coxford Road, Southampton. The eligible patients will be invited to have their height, weight, waist circumference and skinfold thickness measurements taken. They will also be asked to fill out a lifestyle questionnaire. The gathered information will be combined with semen analysis results to see if any of the above factors have an impact on sperm parameters.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0078
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion