Abstract: Abdominal obesity among men of childbearing age in China continues to increase. Epidemiology showed the negative effect of abdominal obesity on semen quality. In this paper, the evaluation methods of abdominal obesity, the effect and mechanism of abdominal obesity on semen quality, as well as the intervention, were reviewed. The waist circumference ＞85 cm and the ratio of waist to height ＞50 in China can be used as the two parameters of abdominal obesity. CT, MRI and DEXA can be used to evaluate visceral fat content more accurately. Abdominal obesity can affect semen quality by reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, fat factors, physical factors, apoptosis and so on. In addition, abdominal obesity can also affect erectile function. High intensity intermittent exercise can reduce visceral fat, and supplement with vitamin D can improve adipose tissue inflammation. However, the effect of abdominal obesity on semen quality and potential mechanisms should be studied more deeply and carefully in future, including the clinical controlled study with large samples.

Key words: Obesity, Abdomen, Semen, Oxidative stress, Inflammation