Weight loss may help improve several symptoms

The condition often contributes to irregular or missed ovulation and menstrual periods. It may also lead to abnormally high levels of androgens.

Overweight or obesity affects over half of women with PCOS. At least 65% to 80% of people with PCOS live with insulin resistance as well.

Further, individuals with PCOS and excess weight tend to experience worse medical outcomes than women with PCOS and a healthier weight.

Weight challenges

However, this study’s patient and public involvement (PPI) advisors shared that, in their experience, support for weight management was scarce. Evidence also indicates that encouragement for weight loss with no further support is mostly ineffective.

“When interventions focus on the root cause of weight gain — insulin resistance — PCOS symptoms are more likely to improve. Directly addressing insulin resistance is essential for achieving meaningful improvements in PCOS symptoms, including weight loss,” she explained.

The study’s methods

Prior research suggests that low-carbohydrate interventions or pharmacotherapy can promote weight loss and greater improvements in insulin resistance, glucose, and hemoglobin markers than metformin or no intervention.