Weight stigma complicates the care of women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a new study.
- PCOS affects between 10% and 13% of women of childbearing age.
- Weight stigmatization during consultations negatively impacts treatment and the mental health of patients.
- Researchers call for care and lifestyle advice adapted to the patient’s personal needs.
THE polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)an endocrine disease affecting one in 10 women of childbearing age, causes fertility and hair loss disorders as well as metabolic complications such as obesity. There is no treatment to cure this hormonal pathology. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle helps reduce symptoms. But be careful, Monash University researchers warn: focus these recommendations around weight loss can have a negative impact on the mental health and care of patients.
PCOS: weight stigma is a barrier to treatment
To better understand the obstacles and facilitators in the management of PCOS, researchers examined 68 studies focusing on lifestyle recommendations given to patients. It was found that all women surveyed believed that doctors’ education on PCOS and lifestyle management was inadequate and had an impact on the quality of care and their psyche. In particular, weight stigma affected some patients’ self-perception and mental health. The most affected were those with broad or, on the contrary, small builds. “Many people with PCOS found lifestyle management to be too focused on weight loss and fertility, regardless of their own personal motivations and goals”note the authors of the study published in the journal Obesity Review.
“Patients with larger and smaller bodies are all affected by weight stigma, but in different ways“, specifies Margaret McGowan, first author, in a press release. “Those with frail builds are often denied access to PCOS lifestyle management and are perceived as ‘healthy’ by healthcare professionals. Those who are broad, often receive care focused on weight loss. weight, negating other concerns they might have.”
PCOS and lifestyle: need for adapted and individualized advice
After these discoveries, the team calls for changes in the management of patients affected by PCOS and for better training of health professionals so that they provide appropriate responses to patients. Indeed, scientists note that to be more effective and long-lasting, care must focus on lifestyle advice that meets the individual needs of patients. The establishment of a multidisciplinary team could be a solution, according to them, to improve the treatment of women suffering from hormonal disease.
“Practice should change to include options such as weight-neutral care where appropriate, and if weight loss is a priority for patients, they should be supported by appropriately trained healthcare professionals”concludes lead author Dr Steph Cowan.
