A bulging belly was once considered a sign of prosperity in our country; this is no longer the case as study after study reveals links between abdominal fat accumulation and potentially life threatening diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, osteoarthritis, infertility and certain types of cancers. The excess accumulation of fat in the body is referred to as obesity. Most people are conscious that obesity alters one's physical appearance but are unaware that it also disrupts the delicate balance of hormones inside the body. One such health condition is infertility. Today, we will discover how obesity is directly linked to infertility in both men and women... Ovulatory dysfunction due to bbesity This disruption in the body's hormonal balance makes obesity a serious risk factor for infertility in both men and women. According to Dr. Abhay Agrawal, Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon Centre for Obesity Control, Agrawal Clinic and Asian Heart Institute, "Ovulatory dysfunction is a major factor leading to infertility in obese women. Irregularity in the levels of hormones such as androgen, estrogen and progesterone can actually alter a woman's menstrual cycle. Optimal levels of these hormones are absolutely essential for pregnancy and conception. Fat deposits in the ovaries can also upset embryonic development and result in miscarriages."