A new study suggests that body fat percentage may be a more meaningful indicator of male fertility than body mass index (BMI) alone. Researchers found that men with higher body fat percentages had significantly lower sperm counts, even when their BMI fell within the normal range, highlighting that body composition may play an important role in reproductive health.
The findings, reported by Healthline and other outlets, suggest that relying solely on BMI could overlook men who appear to have a healthy weight but carry excess body fat. The research adds to growing evidence that metabolic health and body composition may influence fertility through their effects on hormone regulation and sperm production.