International Women's Day 2025: Does obesity make PCOS symptoms worse? Here's what you need to know

Women, Are you facing abnormal periods, acne issues, obesity, oily skin, or facial hair growth? If yes, then you are not alone; these are the common signs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Ahead of International Women's Day, let's dive deep into the topic.

In recent years, polycystic ovarian syndrome is on the rise. The hormonal disorder affects women when they are in their reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 8 to 13 per cent of women in their reproductive stage suffer from PCOS.

Now you must be wondering what the possible causes behind this condition are or who is at higher risk. Well, if you are overweight, beware! ¡°Obesity and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are closely linked with each other. These conditions affect millions of women in India. This can be due to various factors such as hormonal imbalances, poor lifestyle habits, and genetic factors,¡± says Dr. Tanveer Aujla, Senior Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.

Obesity can worsen your PCOS

PCOS can interfere with your hormone levels, which can further lead to complications like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, sudden weight gain, and acne.

¡°Obesity can worsen your PCOS. Excessive weight can lead to insulin resistance, where your body mainly struggles to process sugar properly. This can lead to hormonal disruption and extreme weight gain,¡± shares Dr. Aujla.

Emotional eating can increase the risk of PCOS

Women frequently balance a variety of duties, including taking care of the home, working, raising children, and providing care to the elderly, in addition to carrying unsaid emotional burdens. ¡°When stress is not tackled well, it can lead to cravings for high-calorie foods, interfere with sleep, and throw off the body's normal rhythm,¡± points out Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, MetaHeal¡ªLaparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center, Mumbai; Saifee, Apollo, and Namaha Hospitals, Mumbai.

According to a study published at the University of Oulu, emotional eating and uncontrolled eating are more common in middle-aged women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Bhasker: ¡°Factors like lack of exercise, taking too much stress, eating processed or junk food, and genetic makeup can be the major contributors.¡±

Tips to manage obesity and PCOS

To prevent and also manage obesity, it becomes crucial to take charge of your health and be mindful of your overall choices.

Eat fiber-rich food: Women are advised to add more fiber-rich foods to their daily diet. Fiber, along with essential nutrients, can be easily found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lentils.

Stay active: Stay active by exercising regularly. You can do various physical activities or exercises like yoga, hitting the gym, cycling, stretching, cardio, swimming, or badminton.

Avoid processed food: Avoid eating processed, packaged, or junk food as they contain sodium, sugar, and preservatives in excess quantity, which can make it difficult to lose weight.

Manage stress: Manage your stress levels with the help of meditation, deep-breathing exercises, quality sleep, and mindful eating.

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