How To Avoid IVF Weight Gain

18 Oct How To Avoid IVF Weight Gain

Posted at 16:21h in Advice, Weight Loss by

Weight gain is an unfortunate side effect for many women undergoing IVF. So why does this occur? And what can you do to avoid or minimise weight gain while having IVF? If you’re discovering this article having seen your weight increase during the process of IVF, we’ll talk you through some strategies for effective fat loss.

We are a team of qualified, experienced nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. We work with clients at various stages of IVF treatment to support them in managing their weight around fertility treatment. If you’d like to find out how we can support you with personalised recommendations and professional support, book in for a complimentary call.

DOES IVF MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT?

In short: yes. Many women experience weight gain while they are going through IVF, and it can often be hard to lose. So why does it happen?

While some studies suggest that IVF weight gain is a myth, many women we work would disagree. One case study of a 33-year-old woman undergoing IVF revealed significant weight gain (13-15 pounds) during each controlled ovarian stimulation cycle. The study suggests IVF medications may alter metabolic pathways, causing rapid weight gain.

Another study of 734 women undergoing IVF found a statistically significant but clinically minor weight gain (average 387.7g) during controlled ovarian stimulation. The weight gain correlated positively with the number of oocytes retrieved but not with the stimulation protocol. 

WHY DOES IVF CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

IVF HORMONES CAN IMPACT WEIGHT

During an IVF cycle, women are given medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These medications cause hormonal changes that can lead to fluid retention and weight gain. IVF hormones can cause weight gain in a number of different ways. Hormones such as progesterone can increase appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. Hormonal changes can also alter the body’s metabolism, leading to weight gain. For example, insulin resistance can develop, which can lead to an increase in fat storage. Some studies suggest that the hormones used during IVF can cause an increase in fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal area. Hormonal changes can also lead to an increase in fluid retention, which can cause temporary weight gain.

Weight gain during IVF is not inevitable, and there are steps you can take to minimise the risk which we’ll discuss later on.

STRESS AND EMOTIONAL EATING

IVF can be a stressful and emotional process and it’s not uncommon to turn to food for comfort. Physiologically, stress causes the body to release cortisol, a hormone that can promote weight gain, particularly around the middle. For a more in-depth look at the relationship between stress and weight gain, as well as how to overcome it, take a look at our article: How Stress Causes Weight Gain And Ways To Tackle It

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Many women undergoing IVF are advised to reduce their physical activity or avoid certain exercises. Not only does this lead to a decrease in calorie burn, it also means less feel-good endorphins. If you aren’t feeling the buzz from a workout, you may find yourself reaching for food to boost your mood.

HOW CAN I AVOID GAINING WEIGHT DURING IVF?

While weight gain is a possible side effect there are proactive steps you can take to minimise your risk of gaining weight during treatment.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

It’s not widely discussed, but lack of sleep can have a significant impact on our weight management. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts the hormones that regulate our appetite and satiety meaning we are more likely to overeat when tired. Prioritise sleep and aim for eight to nine hours every night. You can explore the link between sleep and weight gain and find effective tips for improving your sleep in our article: Is Poor Sleep Sabotaging Your Weight Loss.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you manage your weight during IVF. Avoid processed foods and base your diet on whole, nutrient dense and ideally organic food. Here’s our guide detailing how to structure a balanced meal. Creating balanced, satisfying meals can help minimise the likelihood of turning to sugary or starchy snacks as a result of blood sugar dips. Keeping a food diary on an app like MyFitnessPal can increase your awareness of habits that may not be supporting you.

STAY ACTIVE

Regular exercise not only helps regulate blood sugar levels, it can also help you manage stress during the IVF process. However, it is important to follow your IVF clinic’s advice regarding which types of exercise are recommended during IVF.

STAY HYDRATED

Drinking plenty of water can help excrete excess fluids from your body. If you’re filtering your water, it’s a good idea to add electrolytes back in which are vital for hydration. We recommend Elete.

MANAGE STRESS

IVF can be a stressful process, and stress can lead to emotional eating and weight gain. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Getting into the habit of just 10-15 minutes first thing in the morning can make a noticeable difference to stress levels. Not sure where to start? Try this daily Isha Kriya meditation from Sadhguru.

AVOID CAFFEINE & ALCOHOL

You may well have been advised to avoid caffeine and alcohol by your IVF provider given their potential to compromise fertility. They can also stimulate the release of the stress hormone cortisol which is linked to abdominal weight gain (AKA ‘belly fat‘). Minimise or ideally avoid consuming both during your IVF treatment

CONSULT AN EXPERT

As trained, experienced nutritionists, we can provide you with personalised guidance on how to manage your weight during the IVF process. Working with your IVF clinic, we can monitor your weight throughout the process and ensure that your weight gain is minimised throughout your treatment and, hopefully, pregnancy too. We can also provide protocols that will support hormone detoxification once it’s safe to do so. Book a complimentary call with one of our team today to find out more about how we can help you manage your weight throughout your IVF treatment and beyond.

HOW CAN I REDUCE BLOATING DURING IVF?

Bloating and water retention are common and unpleasant side effect of IVF. While being bloated and retaining water aren’t the same as gaining body fat, they can contribute to the feeling of having gained weight. There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the severity of your bloating and water retention.

Avoid processed foods. Refined carbohydrates, sugars and processed salt can cause bloating and water retention. Avoid ultra processed foods as much as possible. Here’s our guide to spotting and avoiding ultra processed foods.

Avoid overeating. Eat moderately sized meals so that overconsumption doesn’t exacerbate bloating. Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly to allow your brain time to register that your stomach is getting full.

Try and exercise. Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help stimulate your digestive system and reduce bloating.

Wear comfortable clothing. And avoid tight or restrictive clothing.

Consult IVF clinic if your bloating is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or nausea. They may recommend additional investigations or treatment if necessary.

WHAT ROLE DOES WEIGHT PLAY IN IVF?

It is not just post-IVF that weight plays a role in the process. According to studies, weight also plays a significant role in IVF outcomes, affecting both female and male fertility. For women, being overweight or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) can negatively impact IVF success rates. Obese women often require higher doses of gonadotropins, produce fewer follicles, and have lower peak estradiol levels during ovarian stimulation. For men, obesity can lead to poor sperm quality and lower success rates in fertility treatments. Maintaining a healthy weight is recommended for both partners to optimise IVF outcomes.

WORK WITH US

If you’d like professional support with managing your weight during IVF treatment, or losing weight before or after treatment, we can help. We are a team of nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call with one of our nutritionists today. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a qualified, experienced professional. Together you can decide whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss Programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure. A member of our team will get back to you soon.

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LINDA ROBINSON

Linda is our Practice Coordinator, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly.

 

Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

Linda is now settled in London with her husband, two children, and her very bouncy, sociable dog.

JULIE GOUGH


Julie Gough is a BANT registered nutritionist and certified health coach specialising in weight loss and hormonal health. She works with clients to address issues such as PMS, thyroid disorders, weight gain, and menopause symptoms. 


Drawing from her own health journey, Julie provides personalised nutrition advice combined with mindset coaching. She takes a functional medicine ‘root cause’ approach to helping clients overcome their health and weight challenges. 


Julie is passionate about empowering women to take control of their health and regain their energy and wellbeing long term.


To enquire about working with Julie, please contact us.

AILSA HICHENS

 

Ailsa is one of our most experienced practitioners. She specialises in helping clients to lose weight, develop a healthy relationship with food and finally feel comfortable in their skin. Ailsa’s mission is for everyone she works with to enjoy the journey and that working with a nutritionist should not be a punishment, but your access to a new possibility.

 

Ailsa is not only an experienced weight loss nutritionist, she is also a skilled coach. She helps our clients overcome emotional eating, destructive habits and self-sabotaging behaviours that have prevented successful weight loss in the past. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer.

 

Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

To enquire about working with Ailsa, please contact us.

Test Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team of practitioners and heading up the day-to-day running of the business. Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, coming from a strong business background in town planning. A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 with her husband and two children.

NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

STÉPHANIE ACHAR

Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

To enquire about working with Stéphanie, please contact us.

INNA WEARN

Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. She believes that the solution to effective weight loss does not lie in ever more restrictive diets, but a more sophisticated approach that optimises health and vitality, as well as promoting effective weight loss.

 

Working with Inna you will benefit from her in-depth knowledge of female health and hormones. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come.

 

Inna is passionate about food with a wide repertoire of delicious healthy recipes and meal ideas to ensure your weight loss journey is as enjoyable as possible!

 

To enquire about working with Inna, please contact us.

ANIA MASON

 

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

To enquire about working with Ania, please contact us.

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