You must meet specific medical requirements to become a surrogate, as fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies follow strict safety protocols to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Reaching a qualifying Body Mass Index (BMI) reduces the risk of medical complications and increases the likelihood of a successful embryo transfer.
If you’re ready to see if you meet the requirements to become a surrogate, fill out our form today.
How Do I Become a Surrogate with a High BMI?
BMI requirements are not arbitrary numbers set by agencies; they are based on clinical guidance from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Fertility clinics follow strict medical guidelines; generally, you cannot proceed as a surrogate if your BMI is significantly over the limit.
The most effective way to move forward is to focus on physical health to meet the specific benchmarks that clinics rely on to clear surrogates for a safe pregnancy.
Is weight your only question? View our list of surrogate requirements to see how your health history and lifestyle align with our program standards.
Why Do Fertility Clinics Have BMI Requirements?
It is common to feel discouraged by a weight cutoff, but these rules prioritize medical safety and pregnancy success, not personal value.
The ASRM provides evidence-based recommendations that most fertility clinics in the U.S. adopt as strict protocols.
According to these medical standards, a higher BMI is linked to specific hurdles that agencies and intended parents work to mitigate:
- Gestational Diabetes & Preeclampsia: Higher BMI levels increase the risk of these conditions, which can impact your long-term health.
- Medication Efficacy: Some IVF medications are absorbed differently in women with higher body fat percentages, which can lead to cycle cancellations.
- Lower Success Rates: IVF data shows that embryos are statistically less likely to result in a successful live birth when the surrogate’s BMI is over the clinic’s limit.
What’s the Ideal BMI for Surrogacy—and Where’s the Flexibility?
The standard BMI range for a surrogate is typically 19 to 32. Most fertility clinics use 32 as a strict cutoff for medical clearance.
Occasionally, a clinic may accept a BMI of 34 or 35 if you have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies and perfect health markers.
How to Calculate Your BMI for Surrogacy
To determine if you meet clinic requirements, you can calculate your BMI using a simple math formula. Fertility clinics in the U.S. use the standard Body Mass Index (BMI) formula, which is a calculation of your weight in relation to your height.
The surrogacy BMI formula:
- Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
- Divide that number by your height in inches.
- Divide that result by your height in inches again.
Example Calculation: If you are 5’4” (64 inches) and weigh 180 pounds:
- 180 x 703 = 126,540
- 126,540 ÷ 64 = 1,977.18
- 1,977.18 ÷ 64 = 30.8 BMI
In this example, your BMI of 30.8 falls under the standard industry limit of 32, meaning you would likely be medically cleared to move forward with most surrogacy programs.
Can I Get Paid to Lose Weight for Surrogacy?
Most agencies will tell you to “call back when you’ve lost the weight,” which can feel dismissive. At American Surrogacy, we view a motivated applicant as a high-value partner.
If you meet all other requirements, such as age and pregnancy history, but BMI is your only hurdle, we provide a Health and Wellness Coaching program through Biointelligent Wellness.
We cover the costs of this nutrition program because we believe in empowering you to reach the health goals necessary to change a family’s life.
This isn’t just about a number; it’s about ensuring you have the strongest possible foundation for the journey ahead.
Your Journey Doesn’t Have to Wait
At American Surrogacy, we don’t believe a number on a scale should end your dream of helping others.
Unlike agencies that dismiss applicants based on BMI alone, we invest in your success by covering the costs of professional health coaching.
If you are motivated to reach the clinical benchmarks for a safe, life-changing pregnancy, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to partner with an agency that invests in your health? Contact a surrogacy specialist today.