01/20/2026
Important note: If you are carrying extra weight, it does NOT mean you have PCOS. If you are not carrying extra weight, it does NOT mean you don't have PCOS.
The inherent weight stigma in our culture and health care system may place a large emphasis on weight loss for treatment; however, PCOS occurs in all body sizes.
Its clinical features are largely the same regardless of body type; however, a larger proportion of those with the condition might be considered overweight or obese. This is only correlative and is not the cause of PCOS.
Due to the metabolic disruptions like insulin resistance and high insulin levels, when the condition is unmanaged, these can lead to unexplained weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
Many of the related conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea have a higher prevalence in individuals with PCOS and occur regardless of the body mass index (BMI).
Weight-inclusive, evidence-based management strategies should be offered to people in larger bodies, other than just weight loss which can be very challenging for people with PCOS and can have adverse medical, metabolic, and psychological health impacts.
Read about this and more in our latest blog post, written by by clicking the link in our bio
References:
Teede, H. J., Tay, C. T., Laven, J. J., Dokras, A., Moran, L. J., Piltonen, T. T., ... & Joham, A. E. (2023). Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic o***y syndrome. European journal of endocrinology, 189(2), G43-G64.
Toosy, S., Sodi, R., & Pappachan, J. M. (2018). Lean polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS): an evidence-based practical approach. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 17(2), 277-285.
Tylka, T. L., Annunziato, R. A., Burgard, D., Daníelsdóttir, S., Shuman, E., Davis, C., & Calogero, R. M. (2014). The weight‐inclusive versus weight‐normative approach to health: evaluating the evidence for prioritizing well‐being over weight loss. Journal of obesity, 2014(1), 983495.
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