Exercise prior to assisted fertilization in overweight and obese women (FertilEX): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Overweight and obese women show reduced conception rates compared to women of normal weight. Insulin resistance and increased amount of visceral fat may be important mechanisms for reduced fertility in these women. Exercise training, in particular with high intensity, has previously been found to improve insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects. This study will assess if regular high-intensity interval training will improve the pregnancy rate after assisted fertilization compared to usual care only in overweight and obese women. We hypothesize that the intervention will improve pregnancy rate and insulin sensitivity compared to the control group.