A systematic review led by Monash University emphasizes the need to reduce weight stigma in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study found that an excessive focus on weight loss can harm the mental health and well-being of individuals living with PCOS.
Published in Obesity Reviews, the research highlights how weight stigma acts as a barrier for women seeking treatment for PCOS. It calls for better education for healthcare professionals regarding this issue.
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects 10 to 13 percent of women of reproductive age. It can lead to various health issues, including menstrual irregularities, infertility, excessive body hair, and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, along with weight gain.
The review indicates that lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can help improve reproductive health, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Various treatments are available to address different symptoms of PCOS.
Conducted by researchers at the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), the review analyzed 68 studies related to the care of individuals with PCOS, focusing on diet and exercise. It found that all participants believed healthcare professionals lack adequate training on PCOS and lifestyle management, which adversely affects the quality of care and health outcomes.
The review revealed that weight stigma negatively impacts individuals with PCOS, regardless of their body size. This stigma reduces the quality of care and affects self-image and mental health. Many individuals with PCOS feel that lifestyle management is too focused on weight loss and fertility, disregarding their personal motivations and goals.
The study advocates for systemic changes, including enhanced education for healthcare professionals about lifestyle management and improved collaboration among various medical disciplines.
Associate Professor Lisa Moran, a joint senior author and head of MCHRI’s Healthy Lifestyle Program, stated that care should prioritize personalized lifestyle advice rather than weight-centric approaches. She emphasized that lifestyle advice from a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, is essential for effective management. “All studies reviewed agreed that individualized and PCOS-specific lifestyle advice is necessary,” she said.
First author Margaret McGowan, an accredited dietitian and PhD candidate at MCHRI, pointed out that weight stigma hinders access to PCOS care, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to be trained about its effects. “Individuals of all body sizes face weight stigma differently,” McGowan noted. “Those in smaller bodies are often denied lifestyle management for PCOS and seen as ‘healthy,’ while those in larger bodies receive care centered on weight loss, overlooking other important health concerns.”
Joint senior author Dr. Steph Cowan from MCHRI reiterated that the review underscores the need for additional training for healthcare professionals, focusing on patient-centered care.
The AskPCOS App, a free digital health tool for women, has over 75,000 users across 195 countries. It is part of MCHRI’s International PCOS Guideline Translation Program, which offers resources for both healthcare professionals and patients. In 2023, MCHRI, in collaboration with 39 societies and over 100 experts, released the International Evidence-Based Guideline for the assessment and management of PCOS.
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