BMI for IVF: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering IVF, you’ve probably come across BMI (body mass index) requirements — whether you’re looking into NHS-funded treatment or going private. BMI for IVF is often used by clinics as part of their eligibility criteria, and it can feel like yet another hurdle when you’re ready to start treatment. Here’s what you need to know about BMI limits, why they exist, and what your options are if your BMI is above or below the recommended range.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
10 min read
Updated 11th September 2025
Spotlight:
- Most NHS-funded IVF in England requires a BMI between 19 and 30, but private clinic limits vary — some are more flexible, including for BMI over 40. [1]
- Clinics use BMI to help assess treatment safety, pregnancy health risks, and potential impact on IVF outcomes. [2,3]
- Research suggests IVF success rates may start to decline when BMI is 28 or higher, but many factors influence results. [4]
- Fertility Mapper data shows BMI is the number one reason people are deemed ineligible for NHS IVF, with 32% of our NHS Eligibility Calculator users excluded on this basis.
- Being outside a clinic’s BMI range doesn’t automatically rule out IVF — some clinics take a case-by-case approach.
What is BMI and why does it matter for IVF?
BMI (body mass index) is a quick calculation used to check whether your weight is in a range that’s generally considered healthy for your height. You can work it out by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example:
- Height: 1.70m → 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89
- Weight: 70kg → 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2
That number is then compared against a scale:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight
- 25 to 29.9: Overweight
- 30 to 39.9: Obese
- 40 or above: Severely obese
For some ethnic backgrounds, health risks can appear at lower BMI ranges, so different thresholds are used. [5]
However, BMI is not a perfect measure. It doesn’t account for muscle mass, body composition, or how weight is distributed — and many experts are calling for a more individualised approach. That’s why some clinics may also use waist-to-height ratio as an extra check. [6]
In line with national data, the average BMI of Fertility Mapper users was 27.8kg/m². This falls into the “overweight” category, meaning most users were technically in range for NHS-funded IVF, but close to the 30kg/m² cut-off.
If you want to check your BMI before considering IVF, you can use the official NHS BMI calculator.
Why IVF clinics look at BMI
There’s no UK law that sets a BMI limit for IVF, but most NHS services and private clinics use it as part of their eligibility criteria. This is usually about three things: [7]
- Treatment safety: IVF involves sedation or anaesthetic during egg collection. Higher or lower BMI can increase the risks linked to these procedures. [2,3]
- Pregnancy health: BMI outside the healthy range can be linked to a higher chance of complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or preterm birth. [8]
- Treatment outcomes: Research shows that BMI can affect how your body responds to fertility medication, the quality of eggs, and how likely an embryo is to implant. [9,10]
Our NHS Eligibility Calculator results show that on average, people deemed “out of range” had a BMI of 34.2kg/m² — around 11kg above the typical NHS limit. By contrast, those considered “in range” averaged 24.9kg/m².
But while BMI is used as a quick screening tool, it’s not the only thing that matters. Age, egg and sperm quality, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle factors all play a role in IVF success. Some clinics are willing to take a more individualised approach, particularly if you’re otherwise in good health. [11,12,13,14,15]
If your BMI is outside a clinic’s range, it doesn’t necessarily mean IVF is off the table — but it might mean exploring clinics with different limits, working with a healthcare professional to optimise your health before treatment, or looking at private care if NHS criteria are strict in your area.
Find the right clinic for you
Choosing a clinic is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. We’ll help find the best options for you, whatever your journey.
Does BMI affect male fertility or partner assessments in IVF?
Potentially, yes — BMI can matter for male fertility, though the impact isn’t always straightforward. While much of the focus in IVF is on the person providing the eggs, sperm health also plays a key role in embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy success.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines suggest that a higher BMI (30 or above) in men “should be informed that they are likely to have reduced fertility.” [16]
Studies have also shown that male obesity can be associated with: [17,18]
- Lower sperm count or concentration in some cases.
- Reduced motility (movement) and more abnormal shapes in sperm.
- Higher levels of sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress, which may affect embryo development.
- Altered sperm molecular profile, including changes to epigenetic markers that can influence embryo and offspring health.
Not every man with a higher BMI will have these changes, but they are more common in the research.
What is the BMI limit for NHS IVF?
In England, most NHS-funded IVF services require the person having treatment to have a BMI between 19 and 30 at the point of referral. This applies whether you’re using your own eggs or donor eggs, and it usually needs to be maintained before treatment starts. [1]
There’s no single national rule — each local Integrated Care Board (ICB) sets its own criteria. In practice, most follow similar guidelines, but a few have different limits (for example, allowing treatment up to a BMI of 35 in certain age groups).
Fertility Mapper’s dataset shows there is actually very little variation in BMI cut-offs between ICBs: all set the limit at 29.9kg/m² or 30kg/m². This makes BMI one of the most rigid — and most exclusionary — eligibility criteria.
If your BMI is just outside your local criteria, your GP or fertility clinic can confirm exactly what’s required where you live. You can also check your ICB’s IVF policy directly, as these are publicly available. Alternatively, you could also explore private IVF, as some clinics set more flexible BMI criteria.
Because obesity rates are higher in more deprived communities — with a 17 percentage point gap between the most and least deprived women — NHS IVF criteria may disproportionately exclude people from these areas.
Not sure where you might qualify? Our Clinic Match tool makes it simple to see which clinics accept your BMI and meet your needs — saving you time and helping you focus on real options.
NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator
Our handy tool decodes the NHS postcode lottery, to help you understand if you are eligible for NHS-funded IVF and IUI treatment in England in moments.
What is the BMI limit for private IVF in the UK?
There’s no legal maximum BMI for fertility treatment in the UK — private clinics set their own criteria. This means the limit can vary widely: some follow NHS-style ranges (for example, 19–30), while others are more flexible, accepting patients with a BMI of 35 or even over 40. [7]
Each clinic makes its decision based on your individual circumstances, medical history, and safety during treatment. BMI is often considered alongside other factors such as age, overall health, and how well your body is likely to respond to stimulation medication.
Our data shows that while the national average BMI is around 27.4kg/m², and many people fall just below the NHS cut-off, about a third of Fertility Mapper users still find themselves excluded from NHS-funded treatment. For those people, private clinics with more flexible BMI criteria can make treatment possible.
If you’re exploring private IVF, it’s worth asking about BMI criteria before booking a consultation. Instead of spending time trying to piece together where you might qualify, you can use our Clinic Match tool to see which clinics align with your personal details. It’s the fastest way to get clear on your options without the guesswork.
BMI limit for “cheap” IVF
Some of the clinics offering lower-cost IVF (AKA “cheap IVF”), such as streamlined or “budget” models, set strict eligibility criteria to keep treatment standardised and affordable. One of the most common criteria is Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI falls outside a clinic’s threshold, you may not be eligible for treatment in that setting, even if you are otherwise healthy.
It’s important to know that every clinic sets its own rules. While some may have tighter cut-offs, others take a more individualised approach. If you’re unsure where you stand, our Clinic Match tool can help you see which clinics you’re likely to qualify for, based on your personal details and health information. This way, you’ll save time, avoid frustration, and get clear on your options before starting any conversations with a clinic.
For people excluded from NHS IVF on BMI grounds — roughly one in three of our Calculator users — these stricter rules at budget clinics can add another barrier. This makes checking eligibility before you apply even more important.
What happens if my BMI is below the minimum or above the maximum for IVF?
If your BMI is outside a clinic’s set range — whether that’s on the lower or higher side — treatment may be delayed until it’s within their criteria.
If it’s too low, your clinic may want to check for underlying causes such as nutritional deficiencies or hormonal issues before starting treatment.
If it’s too high, they might recommend lifestyle changes or refer you to weight management support.
Every clinic has its own approach — some may offer guidance and a plan to help you reach their criteria, while others might suggest alternative treatments or refer you to a clinic with more flexible limits.
Being outside a clinic’s BMI range doesn’t necessarily mean IVF is off the table — but it may mean pressing pause, getting personalised support, and re-approaching treatment when your BMI is in their recommended range.
How much does BMI actually affect IVF success rates?
BMI is just one of several factors that can influence IVF outcomes — alongside age, underlying fertility issues, and lifestyle factors — but research shows it can have a measurable impact.
One large study analysing over 3,000 IVF and frozen embryo transfer cycles found that pregnancy rates started to decline noticeably when BMI reached 28 or higher. This was true across all age groups, although age remained the single biggest factor in success rates. [4]
Why this might happen:
- Higher BMI can affect how your body responds to ovarian stimulation, potentially leading to fewer eggs retrieved. [19]
- It may also impact egg quality, embryo development, and how receptive the uterine lining is to implantation. [20,21,22]
- Hormonal changes linked to higher body fat (such as increased oestrogen from fat tissue) can also play a role. [23]
That said, BMI is a blunt tool — it doesn’t account for muscle mass, body composition, or overall health. Some people with a higher BMI still have successful IVF cycles, especially when other health factors are optimised. [6]
Find a clinic that understands you
Choosing where to have treatment shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our Clinic Match tool brings clarity and tailored options to you.
Finding a fertility clinic that fits your needs
Having a BMI that’s higher or lower than average doesn’t necessarily mean IVF isn’t possible — but it can affect which clinics are able to start treatment with you. Each clinic sets its own criteria, and while some have fixed BMI ranges, others assess this alongside your overall health and fertility history.
Our Clinic Match tool can help you see which clinics are most likely to be an option for you. It brings together up-to-date information on BMI criteria, age limits, funding, and treatment availability, so you can focus on clinics that fit your circumstances from the outset.
And with BMI now the leading reason for NHS IVF ineligibility in our dataset, knowing where you stand before you apply is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
Whatever your BMI, the right clinic will look at your whole fertility picture — and knowing your options is the first step toward making an informed, confident decision.
Sources
1. Department of Health & Social Care. NHS-funded in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in England. Updated 11 September 2025.
2. Petkar S, Chakole V, Nayak A. Comprehensive Review of Anesthetic Evaluation and Management in Obese Female Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization. Cureus. 2023 Oct 23;15(10):e47521. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47521. PMID: 38021482; PMCID: PMC10664690.
3. Kosa JL, Guendelman S, Pearl M, Graham S, Abrams B, Kharrazi M. The association between pre-pregnancy BMI and preterm delivery in a diverse southern California population of working women. Matern Child Health J. 2011 Aug;15(6):772-81. doi: 10.1007/s10995-010-0633-4. PMID: 20602159; PMCID: PMC3131509.
4. WHAT IS THE UPPER LIMIT OF BMI FOR IVF SUCCESS BEFORE DECLINE? Pham, Van T.D. et al. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 116, Issue 3, e277.
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6. NHS. Calculate your body mass index (BMI) for adults. Page last reviewed: 28 November 2023.
7. Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. Frequently asked questions.
8. Persson M, Cnattingius S, Wikström AK, Johansson S. Maternal overweight and obesity and risk of pre-eclampsia in women with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia. 2016 Oct;59(10):2099-105. doi: 10.1007/s00125-016-4035-z. Epub 2016 Jul 1. PMID: 27369871; PMCID: PMC5016540.
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13. NHS, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust. Fertility services and treatments. Page last reviewed: 31 May 2024.
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17. Ameratunga, D., Gebeh, A. and Amoako, A., 2023. Obesity and male infertility. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 90, p.102393.
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