What BMI (Body Mass Index) Do I Need to Donate Eggs?

Reader Alison K emailed:

I’m interested in donating eggs, but I am a little overweight. I’m 5’7″ and weigh about 180, giving me a BMI of 28.2 according to the BMI calculator I used. I was wondering what BMI is required to become an egg donor?

Thanks for writing Alison, and congratulations on your decision to become an egg donor!

Since egg donation is so lightly regulated, there are no universal requirements for Body Mass Index, and different egg donor agencies and fertility clinics have different requirements. While none allow a BMI of higher than 30 (which is considered obese), there are some that allow women to donate with a BMI of 29 or less.

Since you didn’t mention where you live, I’ve provided a sample of the weight requirements for different egg donor programs and fertility clinics around the US:

New Hope Fertility Center (Two offices in New York City, NY) requires a BMI between 18-29.

Nashville Fertility Center (Nashville, TN) requires a BMI less than 25.

Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (Gurnee, IL and Crystal Lake, IL) requires a BMI of less than 30.

University OB/GYN Associates (Louisville, KY) requires a BMI of 30 or less, but “ideally 26 or below”.

Extraordinary Conceptions (San Marcos, CA) requires a BMI of 27 or less.

Reproductive Care Center (Sandy, UT, right outside of Salt Lake City) requires a BMI between 18.5-29.

Conceiveabilites (offices in Chicago, Denver, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Portland OR, and Washington DC ) requires a BMI between 18-29.

For more tips and advice on becoming an egg donor, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Donating Eggs.