Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with weight-loss attempts and perception of overweight independent of BMI: a population-based cohort study

ObjectiveUp to 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have pre-obesity or obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether women with PCOS have more weight-loss attempts than women without PCOS, regardless of BMI. Moreover, women's weight perceptions in relation to previous weight-loss attempts were evaluated. MethodsA population-based birth cohort study included women with (n = 278) and without PCOS (control individuals, n = 1560) who were examined at ages 31 and 46 years with questionnaires and clinical examinations. ResultsWomen with PCOS had more weight-loss attempts compared with control individuals at age 31 (47% vs. 34%, p < 0.001) and 46 years (63% vs. 47%, p < 0.001). At age 46 years, PCOS was associated with multiple weight-loss attempts in the adjusted model (odds ratio: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.00-2.03], p = 0.05). The perception of having overweight was more prevalent in those with PCOS, even among participants with normal weight, at age 31 (PCOS 47% vs. control 34%, p = 0.014) and 46 years (PCOS 60% vs. control 39%, p = 0.001). ConclusionsWomen with PCOS were more likely to have experienced multiple weight-loss attempts and a perception of having overweight compared with control individuals, regardless of obesity status.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate whether women with PCOS have more weight-loss attempts than women without PCOS, regardless of BMI. The results showed that women with PCOS had more weight-loss attempts compared with control individuals at both 31 and 46 years of age. The perception of having overweight was also more prevalent in women with PCOS, even among those with normal weight.