A new study from the University of Oulu and ODL Sports Clinic has highlighted the increased risk of emotional and uncontrolled eating in middle-aged women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The research, published in Fertility and Sterility, is the first to demonstrate that disordered eating behaviors are common in this group, particularly as they navigate the challenges of middle age.
PCOS, the most prevalent hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormones, and polycystic ovaries. Previous studies have shown that young women with PCOS are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction and are at a higher risk of binge-eating disorder, with the likelihood being up to three times greater than for women without the condition. However, this latest research sheds light on how these issues persist and even worsen as women with PCOS reach midlife.
The study, which involved nearly 1,200 women from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, found that emotional eating and disordered eating behaviors were significantly more prevalent among middle-aged women with PCOS. The research also revealed that depression, anxiety, previous weight-loss attempts, and a negative self-image regarding weight were all strong risk factors for these behaviors.
Doctoral Researcher Emilia Pesonen, one of the study’s authors, emphasized that weight control is often a central focus in managing PCOS. However, without the proper support, weight-loss efforts can become drastic, potentially leading to eating disorders. The stigma surrounding weight—particularly weight-related discrimination in the workplace and healthcare—can exacerbate these issues. Pesonen stressed the need for healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of PCOS, including inquiring about disordered eating behaviors and providing referrals for further treatment when necessary.
Professor Terhi Piltonen, the study’s lead researcher and an expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology, also highlighted the importance of including obesity medication as part of the PCOS treatment plan. Preliminary research suggests that women with PCOS experience disruptions in satiety hormones, which may contribute to their tendencies toward uncontrolled eating and weight gain. Piltonen suggested that medication targeting these hormonal imbalances could provide much-needed assistance in managing these challenges.
The study gathered data from 251 women with PCOS, who responded to a questionnaire about their eating behaviors at the age of 46. The risk factors for disordered eating were examined at both the age of 31 and 46, revealing how emotional eating behaviors evolve as women age. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health and eating behaviors when managing PCOS, as these factors can have long-term consequences on both physical and emotional well-being.
PCOS is known to significantly increase the risk of both metabolic and psychological disorders, and this study reinforces the need for integrated care that considers the full spectrum of challenges faced by women with the condition. Given the study’s findings, it is clear that managing PCOS requires a holistic approach—one that not only addresses hormonal and metabolic issues but also the psychological distress that often accompanies the condition.
As the study demonstrates, emotional and uncontrolled eating behaviors are serious concerns for middle-aged women with PCOS. Addressing these behaviors through supportive healthcare practices, including a more comprehensive understanding of the emotional aspects of weight management and offering appropriate treatments, is essential for improving the overall quality of life for these women.
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