NIHR ARC TV Doctoral Award: Exploring the impact of BMI based eligibility criteria for IVF treatment

Background

Obesity is an important consideration in fertility treatment because it is associated with reduced fertility, poorer outcomes following in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and increased risks during pregnancy. Women living with obesity are more likely to experience ovulatory dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), all of which can make conception more difficult. During IVF treatment, obesity has been associated with lower rates of ovarian response, embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth, although the extent to which these effects are directly caused by body weight remains uncertain. Obesity is also linked to higher risks of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and adverse neonatal outcomes. As a result, many fertility services use BMI-based eligibility criteria for IVF treatment. However, these policies can restrict access to care, highlighting the need for robust evidence on the impact of body weight on fertility outcomes and effective interventions to support women who wish to access fertility treatment.

Aim

To explore the impact of BMI based eligibility criteria for IVF treatment and develop an intervention that could help improve outcomes, equity of access and acceptability of fertility services and conduct early feasibility and acceptability testing of this intervention.

Methods

Strong quantitative skill and interest in developing, adapting and testing complex intervnetions using pragmatic clinical trials, and interest in learning qualitative methods too.

Expected outcomes

This project will generate evidence on the impact of BMI-based eligibility criteria on women , develop or adapt and existing weight loss intervention and test this for feasibility and acceptability for testing in a future definitive clinical trial. The findings will inform policy and implementation.

Preferred applicant background/skills

Applicants must have a first class or 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline, and will be expected to complete also have a Masters degree or have appropriate professional experience. They will a expected to complete the DPhil during the award period. Preferred skills/experience include training or experience in mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative) and an interest or experience in epidemiology, women’s health, implementation, health systems and health inequalities is desirable.

Funding

Fees at Home level for 3 years, Overseas applicants welcome to apply but they will need to cover difference in fees. Funding also covers an annual stipend of at least £23,000.

Please note: this funded project is available for full-time students only.

Application process

Applications must be received by 12 noon (UK time) Tuesday 30 June 2026. 

Please apply for the DPhil in Primary Health Care as standard, ensuring that the project title and named supervisors match those in the advertised project.

Your research proposal should include your plans of how you would approach the project, what methods would use and your predictions of results.