🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2025-03-13

Fit-for-Fertility Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT03908099)

Fit-for-Fertility Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial: Improving Reproductive, Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Obese and Infertile

🔵 Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 🧠 Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: Université de Sherbrooke

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Infertility affects approximately 10-15% of couples and one of its important modifiable risk factor is obesity, which affects 19% of Canadian women of reproductive age. Accordingly, many organizations have recommended that women should be assisted to adopt a healthy lifestyle prior to conception and maintain it during pregnancy. We therefore propose to conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the lifestyle intervention Fit-For-Fertility in women with infertility and obesity. Our hypothesis is that the Fit-For-Fertility program is an efficient and low cost solution to improve access to motherhood for women suffering from obesity and infertility. To test our hypothesis, seven fertility clinics having a good ethnic diversity will participate in this RCT and recruit a total of 408 women with obesity (BMI according to ethnicity) who consult at the fertility clinic. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of these two groups: the intervention group will be invited to participate in the Fit-for Fertility Program alone for 6 months and then in combination with usual fertility treatments; while the control group will receive standard fertility treatments from randomisation. The aim of the Fit-for Fertility Program will be to implement progressive and sustainable lifestyle changes, using 1) individual sessions with a dietitian and a kinesiologist every 6-12 weeks, for a total of 18 months or until the end of pregnancy; and 2) eight educational group sessions. Evaluation visits will take place prior to randomisation and then every 6 months for 18 months. Women who become pregnant will be evaluated early during pregnancy and at 26 weeks of gestation. Clinical outcomes will be assessed after a total follow up of 24 months. Anticipated contributions: The results of our multicenter RCT will provide important data on the importance of a lifestyle program supporting women with obesity consulting in fertility clinics, in order to improve their fertility and response to ART, as well as helping them to have a healthy baby. This study will also provide valuable information on potential cost savings for individuals and the healthcare system.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Olive Fertility Centre — Vancouver, British Columbia

Age range: 18 Years to 40 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

  • Fit-For-Fertility program (BEHAVIORAL)
  • Standard of care (OTHER)

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (5 Sites)

  • Olive Fertility Centre — Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Mount Sinai Hospital — Toronto, Ontario
  • Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) — Montreal, Quebec
  • Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval — Québec, Quebec
  • Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke — Sherbrooke, Quebec

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Obesity clinical trials

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗