Obesity is common among people with PCOS, affecting 38–88 percent of those with the disorder.
The link between obesity and PCOS is complex. While it isn’t entirely clear which one causes the other, the two are very closely linked: Obesity seems to increase PCOS risk, and vice versa.
One of the possible explanations for this link is that the male sex hormones that are elevated in PCOS can cause your body to produce more fat cells around the tummy, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Then, obesity causes inflammation, which may contribute to PCOS.
Insulin resistance also plays a role. It’s more difficult to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight with insulin resistance, which is commonly associated with PCOS. And in turn, excess fat causes your body to produce more insulin.
A strong genetic component to obesity may be at play here, too. Studies suggest that genes associated with fat mass and obesity are involved in PCOS. It may be the case that people with a genetic predisposition towards obesity are also more prone to PCOS.
Either way, reducing obesity and overweight may go a long way in preventing and managing PCOS, with even modest weight loss leading to symptom improvement in some research. If you’re looking to lose weight, you can talk to your doctor for their guidance on diet, exercise, and medication.
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