Obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome: implications for pathogenesis and novel management strategies
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Barber, Thomas M
Hanson, Petra
Weickert, Martin O
Franks, Stephen
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female condition typified by reproductive, hyperandrogenic, and metabolic features. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a genetic condition, exacerbated by obesity. There is a close link between obesity and PCOS based on epidemiological data, and more recently corroborated through genetic studies. There are many mechanisms mediating the effects of weight-gain and obesity on the development of PCOS. The metabolic effects of insulin resistance and steroidogenic and reproductive effects of hyperinsulinaemia are important mechanisms. Adipokine production by subcutaneous and visceral fat appears to play a part in metabolic function. However, given the complexity of PCOS pathogenesis, it is important also to consider possible effects of PCOS on further weight-gain, or at least on hampering attempts at weight-loss and maintenance through lifestyle changes. Possible mediators of these effects include changes in energy expenditure, mental ill health, or physical inactivity. In this brief review, we discuss the main mechanisms that underlie the association between obesity and PCOS, from divergent perspectives of weight-gain contributing to development of PCOS and vice versa. We also consider novel management options for women with obesity and PCOS.
Date Issued
2019-09-09
Date Acceptance
2019-08-05
Citation
Clinical Medicine Insights : Reproductive Health, 2019, 13, pp.1179558119874042-1179558119874042
ISSN
1179-5581
Publisher
Libertas Academica
Start Page
1179558119874042
End Page
1179558119874042
Journal / Book Title
Clinical Medicine Insights : Reproductive Health
Volume
13
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2019. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31523137
PII: 10.1177_1179558119874042
Subjects
Polycystic ovary syndrome
metabolism
obesity
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2019-09-09