A recent study has brought a new ray of hope to obese women who find difficulty in getting pregnant. The new study indicated that even slight weight loss can boost the chances of pregnancy in obese women.

The research team led by Professor Bill Ledger, from the University of Sheffield, conducted a three-month study of 40 obese women who were not ovulating.

Most of the study subjects suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is one of the most common causes of infertility. Women in the study were around 29 and had body mass index (BMI) around 40. IVF on the NHS is restricted to those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or under.

The study subjects were given weight loss drugs orlistat or metformin. They managed to lose 5% of their body weight in 12 weeks. Researchers found that 5 percent weight loss led to 19 percent rise in blood flow to the womb. The increased blood flow could assist an egg's release from the ovaries and help in embryo implantation.

Though testosterone levels are higher in PCOS sufferers, these levels decreased with the rise in blood flow.

Professor Bill Ledger said: "The message for women with PCOS is don't think you have to lose half your body weight. This could also encourage moderately overweight women to lose 5-10 percent."