More than 50 % of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. One of the driving forces of PCOS is excess body fat. Women with PCOS who are obese are also more likely to have other medical problems like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and fatty liver disease. Further obesity makes them prone to diseases like sleep apnea, heart disease and cancers.

Scientific studies have shown that even 5% weight loss can lead to improvements in menstrual periods in women with PCOS. Weight loss can improve fertility rates and ovulation in women.

Weight loss in women can be achieved by

1. A calorie-restricted diet

2. Metformin (minor effects)

3. Medicines like Semaglutide and

4. Bariatric surgery.

However, not all symptoms of PCOS may be affected equally with weight loss. Menstrual regularity, ovulation, fertility and abnormal glucose levels may improve with weight loss. However, high testosterone levels and hirsutism may show only a limited improvement. Hence, weight loss is not a cure for PCOS, but it may control many of the symptoms.

Mrs.Rejitha Jagesh M Sc