Grant: Project Grant - Priority Announcement: Patient-Oriented Research

Obesity reduces fertility in young women and, among those with infertility, it increases the costs of fertility treatment, reduces its effectiveness and significantly increases the risks of many complications of pregnancy for the mother and the newborn. In Canada, 21% of women of reproductive age (20 to 44 years) were reported to be living with obesity. Consequently, many organizations recommend supporting women with obesity to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle before conception and throughout pregnancy. However, to date, there is no integrated lifestyle program specifically targeting this specific population within the Canadian healthcare system. The aim of this project is therefore to conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluating a lifestyle intervention for women with obesity and infertility, which continues through fertility treatments and pregnancy. The results will provide strong evidence on the importance of lifestyle management for women with obesity attending fertility clinics, in order to improve their fertility and help them achieve a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby. The findings of this project will be useful for several target groups: 1) Canadian women with obesity and infertility will have access to robust and clear information about the impact of their lifestyle on their fertility and the health of their pregnancy and offspring; 2) Health professionals will be able to improve their quality of care towards women with obesity who wish to conceive; 3) Professional and public health associations will be able to inform their members and the population, and to develop practical tools that will be useful in promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyle in these women; 4) Healthcare system decision-makers will be able to rely on rigorous data to make informed decisions and thus promote and support the funding and implementation of obesity management programs in fertility clinics or in primary care across Canada.