Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age — and its severity is markedly worsened by excess weight. Obesity and PCOS fuel each other in a vicious circle, complicating both diagnosis and management.
A recent review published in June 2025 assessed the efficacy of different weight loss interventions and their effect on key reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic symptoms of PCOS. Lifestyle modification — especially combining dietary changes with exercise — remains the first-line prescription. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve insulin resistance, while time-restricted feeding has shown positive effects on hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularity, and insulin levels.
The ketogenic diet was found to benefit both metabolic and reproductive outcomes for women with PCOS and obesity, assisting in hormone regulation and restoring menstrual cycles. Among medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists (especially when paired with metformin) have shown strong results, outperforming some traditional drugs at lowering androgen levels and restoring menstruation. For women with severe obesity, bariatric surgery is considered the most effective but requires further direct comparison with newer drug combinations.
Overall, weight loss — by any method — tends to relieve PCOS symptoms, but benefits and risks vary depending on the strategy and individual health profile. Personalized plans, medical supervision, and combination approaches usually deliver better results than a one-size-fits-all solution.
SOURCE: PubMed
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