News | The Link Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Disordered Eating in Middle-Aged Women
Recent research from the University of Oulu and ODL Sports Clinic found that middle-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience emotional eating and uncontrolled eating. Psychological distress, in particular, significantly raises their long-term risk of disordered eating. Previous research found that young women of reproductive age have three times the risk of body dissatisfaction and binge eating compared with other women. This new study is the first to show that disordered eating is also common among middle-aged women with PCOS.
The study found that depression and anxiety, previous weight-loss attempts, and perceiving oneself as overweight all increased the risk of disordered eating. Doctoral researcher Emilia Pesonen said, "Weight management is often central to PCOS care, but without appropriate support, weight-loss methods can become extreme and even lead to disordered eating. Weight stigma can make this worse." Weight stigma refers to prejudice and discrimination against people with overweight in settings such as work and health care, which may result in inadequate medical services.
Lead investigator and professor of obstetrics and gynecology Terhi Piltonen said, "Health services should promote responsible discussions about weight, provide comprehensive care, and consider psychological distress. Women with PCOS should be actively asked about disordered eating and referred for further treatment when necessary." She emphasized that anti-obesity medication should be considered as part of PCOS treatment. Preliminary research suggests that satiety hormone function is impaired in women with PCOS, which may partly explain their tendency toward uncontrolled eating and weight gain. Medication may offer needed support in addressing these challenges.
The study involved nearly 1,200 women from the 1966 Northern Finland Birth Cohort. Among them, 251 women with PCOS completed an eating-behavior questionnaire at age 46. Researchers reviewed risk factors for disordered eating at ages 31 and 46. PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Diagnostic criteria include irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries. Previous research indicates that the syndrome significantly increases the risk of metabolic and psychological disorders.
The findings were published in Fertility and Sterility.
News | The Link Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Disordered Eating in Middle-Aged Women
News | The Link Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Disordered Eating in Middle-Aged Women
Recent research from the University of Oulu and ODL Sports Clinic found that middle-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience emotional eating and uncontrolled eating. Psychological distress, in particular, significantly raises their long-term risk of disordered eating. Previous research found that young women of reproductive age have three times the risk of body dissatisfaction and binge eating compared with other women. This new study is the first to show that disordered eating is also common among middle-aged women with PCOS.
The study found that depression and anxiety, previous weight-loss attempts, and perceiving oneself as overweight all increased the risk of disordered eating. Doctoral researcher Emilia Pesonen said, "Weight management is often central to PCOS care, but without appropriate support, weight-loss methods can become extreme and even lead to disordered eating. Weight stigma can make this worse." Weight stigma refers to prejudice and discrimination against people with overweight in settings such as work and health care, which may result in inadequate medical services.
Lead investigator and professor of obstetrics and gynecology Terhi Piltonen said, "Health services should promote responsible discussions about weight, provide comprehensive care, and consider psychological distress. Women with PCOS should be actively asked about disordered eating and referred for further treatment when necessary." She emphasized that anti-obesity medication should be considered as part of PCOS treatment. Preliminary research suggests that satiety hormone function is impaired in women with PCOS, which may partly explain their tendency toward uncontrolled eating and weight gain. Medication may offer needed support in addressing these challenges.
The study involved nearly 1,200 women from the 1966 Northern Finland Birth Cohort. Among them, 251 women with PCOS completed an eating-behavior questionnaire at age 46. Researchers reviewed risk factors for disordered eating at ages 31 and 46. PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Diagnostic criteria include irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries. Previous research indicates that the syndrome significantly increases the risk of metabolic and psychological disorders.
The findings were published in Fertility and Sterility.
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