Researchers from the University of Melbourne have now been encouraging men in Australia to get fit and be in shape before they plan to become fathers, says a recent report to be presented at of the Endocrine Society of Australia and the Society for Reproductive Biology's 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting.

It is being said by Professor David Gardner and colleagues that though, the risks related to pregnancy or obesity generally are higher amongst women. Men should also not show carelessness since they are also only at slightly less risks than their partners.

However, obesity seen in some 75% of Australian males goes even beyond the 48%, average global rate of the illness, as per the World Health Organization. The same may unknowingly affect their sperm's quality, while making it small in size and less developed. Also, the team warns that men can sometimes realize decreased placental development and infertility.

The findings are based on a study conducted on animals. It was found that the obese mice had a decline in the fetal development by 15% with a fall in the embryo implantation rate.

Concerning the same, Professor Gardner further affirmed, "Australia has a weight problem. A lot of men don't understand what contribution they're having, but they need to be healthy before conceiving".