Addressing weight gain concerns during IVF treatment

Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve heard that IVF medicines cause weight gain. Is that true? I’m really worried about this.

Dr. Malpani: I completely understand your concern. Many patients have heard this myth and fear that undergoing IVF will make them gain a lot of weight. Let me clarify. While you're going through IVF treatment, we give you injections to stimulate your ovaries, which raises your oestrogen levels. This can lead to fluid retention, and you may notice a slight increase in weight during the cycle.

Patient: So, it’s true? The treatment will make me put on weight?

Dr. Malpani: Not exactly. The weight gain is mainly due to fluid retention caused by high oestrogen levels, and it’s completely reversible. Once you stop taking the injections, the excess fluid is flushed out through your kidneys, and you’ll return to your normal body weight. So, no, IVF won’t cause long-term weight gain.

Patient: But some people say they gained weight after IVF. Why is that?

Dr. Malpani: Great question! The weight gain some patients report isn’t directly caused by the IVF treatment. What usually happens is that during the treatment, patients may cut down on physical activity because they believe resting will improve their chances of success—this is a common myth. When you're less active, you burn fewer calories, which can lead to weight gain.

Patient: That makes sense.

Dr. Malpani: Another reason could be emotional eating. When an IVF cycle doesn’t succeed, it’s understandably tough, and some people cope by overeating. This, along with decreased physical activity, can lead to weight gain, but it’s not the IVF medications causing it.

Patient: That’s a relief to hear. I was worried about long-term effects.

Dr. Malpani: You don’t need to worry. IVF medicines are natural hormones that your body quickly excretes, so they won’t have a lasting impact on your weight.

Patient: Thank you for explaining. This clears up a lot of my fears.

Dr. Malpani: I’m glad I could help! If you ever need a second opinion or more information, you can get a free second opinion at www.drmalpani.com/free-second-opinion, or you can book a video consultation with me at bit.ly/consult-drmalpani for just ₹3000. Choosing the right clinic is crucial, and I’m here to help you make the best decision for your future.