Association between abnormal body mass index and pregnancy outcomes in patients following frozen embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background There has been increasing interest in the relationship between body mass index(BMI) and pregnancy outcomes, especially in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer(FET). Several observational studies have been published, but so far with conflicting results. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrails.gov and Web of Science databases were searched based on established search strategy from inception through January 2021. Results Twelve studies were eligible. In women following FET, high BMI (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) was associated with an impaired live birth rate (LBR, OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.96, P = 0.002), but wasn’t associated with the implantation rate or the clinical pregnancy rate. Subgroup analysis revealed higher LBR for women didn’t complicated by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.85–1.08, P = 0.46) and women with blastocyst transferred (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.68–1.16, P = 0.40). LBR did not differ between the low BMI group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and the normal weight group. Conclusions Our study showed that high BMI in women is negatively associated with LBR in FET cycles, whereas low BMI isn’t. The results of subgroup analysis implied a need for women with a high BMI to get individualized weight management and treatment. Further evidence is still required to optimize preconception health and develop Nutritional and exercise guidelines.