Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. One in ten women experience this syndrome.

It occurs when the ovaries produce high levels of male hormones and is associated with irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight. Something else that impacts PCOS is body mass index, or BMI. BMI is a measure of body fat. It takes into account a person’s weight and height, and it is used to determine whether a person is underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that often leads to multiple cysts being formed on the ovaries. While it’s not always clear what causes PCOS, it is thought to be due to a combination of genes, environment and lifestyle factors.

Women with PCOS have high levels of androgens or the male hormone, which can cause menstrual problems, acne and hirsutism. Other symptoms of PCOS can include weight gain, infertility, and insulin resistance.

How BMI is Calculated

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of the amount of fat in your body, based on your weight and height. It is calculated by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by your height in meters squared.

For example, if you weigh 68 kg and are 1.65 m tall, your BMI would be calculated as follows:.

BMI = 68 / (1.65 * 1.65) = 24.98 kg/m².

The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined the following BMI ranges:.

Underweight – BMI below 18.5 kg/m²
Normal weight – BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²
Overweight – BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m²
Obese – BMI above 30 kg/m²

Impact of BMI on PCOS

Researchers have found that BMI plays a significant role in the development and progression of PCOS. Women with a BMI of 25 or more are at an increased risk of developing PCOS. The risk increases with every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI.

High BMI also increases the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which are associated with PCOS.

In addition, women with PCOS who have a high BMI also have lower rates of fertility and higher rates of miscarriage. They may also have more severe symptoms than women with PCOS and a normal BMI.

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, and it is linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes.

How to Manage PCOS with BMI

Weight loss can be an effective way to manage PCOS symptoms, particularly if you have a high BMI. Losing weight can help improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It can also help regulate menstrual cycles and lower androgen levels, which can help improve fertility and reduce the severity of other PCOS symptoms.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also help manage PCOS symptoms. This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.

Women with PCOS should also be screened for other health conditions associated with the syndrome, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Conclusion

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects many women and is associated with a range of symptoms, including weight gain, infertility, and irregular periods. BMI plays a significant role in the development and progression of the condition.

Women with a high BMI are at an increased risk of developing PCOS and experience more severe symptoms than women with a normal BMI. Weight loss through improved lifestyle habits, exercise & monitoring of food & calorie intake can help to regulate insulin resistance, lower androgen levels, and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.