It has long been established that body weight plays a significant role in fertility. If you're having difficulties trying to conceive, it is all the more important to keep close to the ideal weight.

In a recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction (doi:10.1093/humrep/dem371), it has been found that for every BMI unit above 29 kg/m2, the probability of pregnancy was reduced by four per cent compared to women with a BMI between 21-29 kg/m2. Very obese women (BMI 35-40) had a probability of pregnancy that was between 26 and 43 per cent lower than women with a BMI between 21-29.

Aside from fertility problems, being overweight can also result to a lot of complications during pregnancy and birth, and may also have lifelong effects on the child. If you're overweight and are trying to conceive, discuss weight loss plans with your doctor. Losing weight too drastically can also negatively affect your chances of conceiving.