Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing bulimia or binge eating disorder, according to a new study.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 8% and 13% of women of reproductive age.
- Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing bulimia or binge eating disorder, according to a new study.
- For researchers, it is therefore essential to detect eating disorders in patients with PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 8 to 13% of women of childbearing age. In addition to being the leading cause of female infertility, this disease linked to hormonal imbalance increases the risks of metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even endometrial cancer. And these would not be the only possible complications.
A study published in the journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & MetabolismAugust 8, 2024 reveals that hormonal pathology is also linked to a higher risk of developing bulimia, binge eating disorder (binge eating without compensatory behaviors) as well as eating disorders.
PCOS: A link with bulimia and hyperphagia
To better understand the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on women’s health, scientists examined the results of 20 cross-sectional studies conducted in nine countries on the subject. This represented nearly 29,000 patients with PCOS and more than 258,000 participants not affected by the disorder.
Data analyses revealed an increased risk of eating disorders, including bulimia and binge eating disorder, among people with PCOS. Dr. Laura Cooney of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, first author of the study, explains: “Many women with PCOS experience weight stigma, which can negatively impact overall mental health and contribute to eating disorders.”
Additionally, volunteers with PCOS had higher eating disorder scores than participants without the condition. This was true regardless of whether the patients were of normal weight or overweight. The association between hormonal pathology and eating disorders is therefore not dependent on BMI, according to Dr. Cooney.
Eating disorders: be careful when treating PCOS
Furthermore, the meta-analysis did not find a link between PCOS and anorexia. However, the authors point out that the work on anorexia and hormonal disease is more limited. Thus, for them, “There should always be a strong suspicion of eating disorders in a person being evaluated for PCOS”.
“Our findings highlight the importance of screening for eating disorders in women with PCOS before clinicians share lifestyle advice.”adds Dr. Cooney in a press release. “The lifestyle changes we often recommend for women with PCOS, including physical activity, healthy eating, and behavioral changes, may hinder the recovery process from eating disorders. Health care professionals should be vigilant about screening for eating disorders in this population.”