PCOS and weight loss

A November 2024 systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by the University of Oxford, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reviewed studies of weight loss interventions and their impact on PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The review found that such interventions were “associated with greater reductions in glycemic control and hormonal markers including the free androgen index (FAI) and … indicate that weight loss interventions may be an effective tool for PCOS management in applied clinical settings, and clinicians could use these results to counsel patients with PCOS on the improvements in PCOS markers after weight loss and direct them towards appropriate interventions.” [Eurekalert.org]

Male PCOS-like condition

A March 2021 report from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests that,

"The treatment of PCOS is limited by our incomplete understanding of the disorder,”

"Identifying the different causes for PCOS provides insights into the mechanisms of disease and is the first step in identifying future targets for treatment of the disorder."

"By demonstrating that genetic risk factors for PCOS are associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and male-pattern baldness in men, we show that these genetic risk factors do not require ovaries to result in the characteristics of PCOS,”

"Thus, at least in some cases, the reproductive dysfunction of PCOS may be caused by biological mechanisms common to both men and women. Future studies of the genetic risk factors for PCOS could help us to better understand the causes and potential treatment targets for PCOS."

Obesity, Diabetes and PCOS

A March 2017 report by the Athens Medical Centre said,

"We strongly suggest weight management in women with obesity and PCOS in an attempt to reduce this major risk of developing type 2 diabetes,"

"We conclude that only women with PCOS and obesity have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes development, in contrast to the current notion that all women with PCOS have a significant risk for developing type 2 diabetes,”

"This finding underscores the impact of early detection of this PCOS population and prompt lifestyle modification to avert the development of type 2 diabetes."