TARGETING OBESITY 

Minerva Endocrinologica 2015 March;40(1):37-51

Copyright © 2015 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome

Naderpoor N. ^{1, 3}, Shorakae S. ^{1, 3}, Joham A. ^{1, 3}, Boyle J. ¹, De Courten B. ^{1, 3}, Teede H. J. ^{1, 2, 3} ✉

¹ Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, MHRP, Clayton, Australia; ² Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; ³ Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia

Obesity is now a major international health concern. It is increasingly common in young women with reproductive, metabolic and psychological health impacts. Reproductive health impacts are often poorly appreciated and include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility and pregnancy complications. PCOS is the most common endocrine condition in women and is underpinned by hormonal disturbances including insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Obesity exacerbates hormonal and clinical features of PCOS and women with PCOS appear at higher risk of obesity, with multiple underlying mechanisms linking the conditions. Lifestyle intervention is first line in management of PCOS to both prevent weight gain and induce weight loss; however improved engagement and sustainability remain challenges with the need for more research. Medications like metformin, orlistat, GLP1 agonists and bariatric surgery have been used with the need for large scale randomised clinical trials to define their roles.