Weight Management Strategies to Reduce Metabolic Morbidity in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Abstract
Purpose of review: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 10-15% of women of reproductive age and is associated with a heightened risk of metabolic morbidity, exacerbated by insulin resistance and obesity. Current weight management strategies have limited effectiveness in reducing metabolic morbidity in this subgroup. This review examines the potential of Intensive Weight Management Programmes (IWMPs) and Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) to reduce metabolic risks in women with PCOS, drawing from studies in both PCOS-specific and related populations.
Recent findings: IWMPs, including total diet replacement, achieve substantial and sustained weight loss (5-15% over 1-5 years) in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, alongside improvements in metabolic markers like blood pressure and glycemic control. GLP-1 RAs, particularly semaglutide, similarly deliver significant weight loss (10-15% over 1-2 years) and metabolic benefits. While there is limited data specifically targeting PCOS, emerging studies suggest GLP-1 RAs can improve weight, insulin sensitivity, and menstrual regularity in this group. However, evidence for both interventions in PCOS remains insufficient. Women with PCOS face unique metabolic challenges, including heightened insulin resistance, compounded by obesity. While IWMPs and GLP-1 RAs are promising interventions, evidence for their effectiveness in PCOS-specific populations is insufficient. Addressing this research gap through…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Increased expression of circulating miRNA-93 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may represent a novel, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis
- Identification of key genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer using an integrated bioinformatics analysis
- Identification of key pathways and genes in polycystic ovary syndrome via integrated bioinformatics analysis and prediction of small therapeutic molecules
- Regulation of Androgen Receptor Expression Alters AMPK Phosphorylation in the Endometrium: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Effect of oral administration of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone on hyperandrogenized mice as a model of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Systems pharmacology to investigate the interaction of berberine and other drugs in treating polycystic ovary syndrome
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.