Women with PCOS face a 50% higher risk of developing eating disorders

Listen to Story A new study reveals that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may face a 50% higher risk of developing eating disorders, such as binge-eating and bulimia. PCOS, which affects approximately one in eight to 10 wome n of reproductive age worldwide, is characterised by elevated testosterone levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and excess body hair. The study, led by Laura Cooney, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin, is the first to confirm the increased risk of specific eating disorders among women with PCOS.

Bulimia, one of the disorders highlighted, involves episodes of binge-eating followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain, such as induced vomiting or excessive exercise. Women with PCOS are already known to be at a higher risk for metabolic issues like diabetes and reproductive problems, including infertility. Cooney pointed out that the weight stigma many women with PCOS face can negatively impact their mental health and contribute to disordered eating.

Published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism , the study analysed data from 20 cross-sectional studies conducted in nine countries, including nearly 29,000 women with PCOS and over 2,50,000 women without the condition. The findings showed that the risk of eating disorders was higher among women with PCOS, regardless of their body mass index (BMI). The study emphasises the need for healthcare providers to screen women with PCOS for eating disorders before recomm.