Women who are very athletic and women who have eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) have low levels of body fat. This may mean they don't ovulate every month.¹

Women who are overweight or underweight can have an imbalance of hormones that increases the risk of infertility.¹

To find out more about how being overweight affects your fertility, see Fertility treatments and your weight.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.