The Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents with Obesity

May 2026 in “ Advances in Therapy ”

Thomas M. Barber, Puja Thadani, Elizabeth V Niven, Ioannis Kyrou, Harpal S. Randeva

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS obesity adolescents weight gain genetically predisposed mental health pharmacotherapies bariatric surgery healthcare settings

TLDR Adolescents with PCOS and obesity need compassionate care, mental health support, and lifestyle changes for effective management.

The document discusses the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents with obesity, emphasizing the need for a holistic and compassionate approach. Adolescence is a critical period marked by significant physical and psychosocial changes, and the modern obesogenic environment exacerbates weight gain, potentially leading to PCOS in genetically predisposed individuals. Effective management requires addressing mental health issues and promoting sustained weight loss through healthy lifestyle changes. However, challenges such as age restrictions on pharmacotherapies and bariatric surgery, as well as the marginalization of adolescents in healthcare settings, hinder effective treatment. The document calls for prioritizing adolescent healthcare and implementing environmental and cultural reforms.

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Research cited in this study

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6 citations , March 2024 in “The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health”

research Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs

29 citations , September 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

Semaglutide helps obese PCOS patients lose weight and improve health.

research PCOS and Depression: Common Links and Potential Targets

96 citations , October 2021 in “Reproductive Sciences”

Women with PCOS often experience depression and anxiety, affecting their quality of life.

research Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

90 citations , January 2021 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Obesity increases the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome, and weight loss can improve the condition.

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129 citations , January 2019 in “Clinical medicine insights”

Obesity worsens PCOS symptoms, and PCOS may lead to more weight gain; managing both requires a holistic approach that includes mental health.

Large-Scale Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture for Different Diagnosis Criteria

research Large-Scale Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture for Different Diagnosis Criteria

308 citations , December 2018 in “PLOS Genetics”

The research found that PCOS has common genetic factors regardless of how it is diagnosed and is linked to metabolic and reproductive issues.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insight Into Pathogenesis and a Common Association With Insulin Resistance

61 citations , June 2016 in “Clinical Medicine”

PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance and obesity, and weight loss can improve symptoms.

research Divergences in Insulin Resistance Between the Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4 citations , September 2013 in “Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Different types of polycystic ovary syndrome show varying levels of insulin resistance, with the 'PHO' type being the most insulin resistant.

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70 citations , February 2012 in “Human Reproduction”

Many young women who donate blood have hormonal disorders like excess male hormones and PCOS.

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36 citations , November 2009 in “European Radiology”

The study found that women with PCOS have more and larger ovarian follicles and differences in ovarian structure, but these features alone can't always diagnose PCOS.

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4025 citations , December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.

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1947 citations , September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine”

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.