A systematic review led by Monash University has shed light on the detrimental effects of weight stigma in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), emphasizing the need for a shift in focus towards individualized care that reduces the emphasis on weight loss.
Published in Obesity Reviews, the study found that weight stigma acts as a barrier for women seeking treatment for PCOS, impacting both their mental health and overall well-being. PCOS, an endocrine condition affecting 10-13 percent of reproductive-aged women, is linked to a range of symptoms including menstrual irregularities, infertility, excess body hair, and an increased risk of cardiometabolic conditions like diabetes.
The review, which included 68 eligible research papers, revealed a consensus that professional education on PCOS and lifestyle management for healthcare professionals is inadequate, affecting the quality of care and health outcomes. The study calls for systemic changes, including improved education on lifestyle management and greater collaboration across medical disciplines.
Joint senior author and Lead of Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI)’s Healthy Lifestyle Program, Associate Professor Lisa Moran, highlighted the importance of lifestyle advice that meets individual needs and reduces weight-centric care. “We identified lifestyle advice delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, as a key component for change,” Moran said.
First author and PhD candidate at MCHRI, Margaret McGowan, emphasized that weight stigma is a barrier for accessing PCOS care and that healthcare professionals need more education on the effects of weight stigma. “Those in larger and smaller bodies are both affected by weight stigma but in different ways,” McGowan explained.
Joint senior author Dr. Steph Cowan from MCHRI stressed the need for more training for health professionals, with a focus on patient-centered care. “Practice should change to include options such as weight neutral care where appropriate, and if weight loss is prioritized by consumers, they need to be supported by appropriately trained health professionals,” Cowan said.
The MWHA, part of MCHRI, leverages a network of research leaders and specialist groups to lead a step change in prevention, public health, and clinical practice for women, girls, and gender diverse people of all ages. In 2023, MCHRI released the International Evidence-based Guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome 2023, a significant resource for health professionals and consumers.
Conclusion
The study from Monash University underscores the urgent need to address weight stigma in the treatment of PCOS and to implement patient-centered, multidisciplinary care. By focusing on individual needs and reducing the emphasis on weight loss, healthcare professionals can provide more effective and compassionate care for women with PCOS.
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