Wed Sep 25 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## PCOS Linked to Increased Eating Disorder Risk, Study Finds

**New research shows that people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop eating disorders, regardless of their body mass index (BMI).** This finding, published in a recent meta-analysis, challenges the common advice given to people with PCOS to focus primarily on weight loss to manage their symptoms.

**The study, led by Dr. Laura Cooney of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, analyzed data from multiple studies comparing eating disorder rates in people with and without PCOS.** The research found a significantly higher prevalence of overall eating disorders, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and disordered eating in people with PCOS.

**”While it’s known that women with PCOS often have higher rates of obesity, our study shows that the link between PCOS and eating disorders exists even in those with normal BMI,”** said Dr. Cooney. “This highlights the importance of addressing eating disorders as a critical aspect of PCOS management, separate from just focusing on weight loss.”

**Dr. Cooney emphasizes the potential harm of solely focusing on weight loss for people with PCOS who have a history of eating disorders.** “Generic advice to restrict calories or focus on exercise can worsen existing eating disorders and create distrust in the healthcare system,” she said.

**The study’s findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach to PCOS care, involving healthcare professionals who are equipped to address both PCOS and eating disorders.** Dr. Cooney encourages people with PCOS to advocate for themselves and seek healthcare providers who will listen to their individual needs.

**Dr. Cooney hopes that the research will spark further investigation into the underlying reasons for the connection between PCOS and eating disorders.** “We need to understand the complex interplay of hormones, mental health, and body image in this population to develop more effective and compassionate treatment plans,” she said.

**This study is a reminder that PCOS is a complex condition that requires a holistic approach to treatment.** It emphasizes the importance of considering mental health alongside physical health when managing PCOS and encourages individuals to seek support from healthcare providers who can address all aspects of their well-being.

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