What is BMI?
Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a widely used measurement that calculates whether your weight is healthy based on your height and weight. BMI is commonly used by healthcare professionals to assess healthy weight ranges, potential health risks, and overall well-being.
A healthy BMI range is typically between 19 and 25, although this can vary slightly depending on individual circumstances. BMI takes into account natural variations in body shape and provides a useful guide to whether you are underweight, within a healthy weight range, overweight, or have a high BMI.
Understanding your BMI score is an important first step when thinking about your general health, fertility, and pregnancy.
What is the ideal BMI for Fertility
If you have a high BMI or a low BMI, bringing it closer to the healthy range before trying for a baby can improve your chances of getting pregnant. A healthy BMI can also reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and improve the overall health of both parent and baby.
How to calculate your BMI
You can easily calculate your BMI using a trusted BMI calculator, such as the one available on the NHS website. A BMI calculator allows you to quickly find out whether your BMI falls within a healthy range and whether weight management may support your fertility journey.
Can I still get pregnant with a high BMI?
Many women with a high BMI do successfully get pregnant and give birth to healthy babies. It may take a little longer in some cases, but it is possible. However, we would always recommend your BMI being within the healthy weight range if you are considering starting a family.
If you have had difficulty conceiving, a high BMI may be one factor. Fertility treatments, such as IVF may increase your chances of success. Speaking with a fertility specialist can help you understand how your BMI may be affecting your fertility and what steps you can take.
Why is having a healthy BMI important?
Maintaining a healthy BMI is important not only for fertility and pregnancy but also for long-term health. A healthy BMI can help reduce the risk of conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Hormonal imbalances
Achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI supports overall well-being and can help improve fertility outcomes.
How can I improve my BMI?
The best way to improve your BMI is through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you eat. We know that losing weight isn’t easy, which is why we have 10 quick tips on ways to help improve your BMI.
10 Tips to improve your BMI
- Increasing the amount of exercise you do each day (even if it is walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift).
- Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day!
- Avoid food that is high in sugar, like sweetened cereal, pastries, cakes, and high-sugar flavoured drinks.
- Look at your daily portion sizes.
- Talk to a qualified nutritionist, who can advise you on what diet to follow.
- Have a daily goal, for example, walking 10,000 steps each day.
- Drink more water – this helps you burn more calories and stay hydrated
- Don’t eat while watching TV – you eat more as you are doing two things at once.
- 15 minutes of laughter a day could burn up to 10 to 40 calories!
- Avoid ‘fad diets’, think more long-term in your healthy eating habits!
Expert advice to help you begin your fertility journey
At Manchester Fertility, we put our patients’ experience at the heart of everything we do. If you’re concerned about your BMI and fertility, talk to our friendly expert team today.
Our specialists can provide personalised advice, guidance, and support tailored to your situation to help you get the most from your fertility journey. And rest assured, we will make the whole process as stress-free as possible. Call us today on 0161 300 2737 to get started or book a free 1-2-1 to find out more.
Last updated: 17th February 2026
