The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most common reproductive disorder in women. Obesity is believed to play a central role in the development of PCOS, as many women with this condition are reported to be overweight or obese. A strong correlational relationship exists between PCOS and obesity. This paper examines the relationship between PCOS and obesity in order to determine whether PCOS causes obesity as opposed to obesity causes metabolic changes that lead to PCOS. Analysis was conducted by reviewing and comparing many studies related to the topic. Factors such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia and body fat distribution were examined in obese and non-obese PCOS subjects. Most studies included in this review could not conclusively determine whether PCOS contributed to obesity or vice versa. The important points raised in the literature showed that obesity could be an important factor to predict PCOS. In women who are predisposed to PCOS, the metabolic and hormonal issues that are present such as insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, can lead to weight gain and eventually obesity. Obesity in turn can exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS such as further metabolic issues and reproductive abnormalities.
Recommended Citation
Rosenberg, S. L. (2019). The Relationship Between PCOS and Obesity: Which Comes First?. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 13(1). Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol13/iss1/5
