Obesity & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels. Obesity exacerbates the symptoms of PCOS and increases the risk of complications. Mayo Clinic on PCOS

Obesity can exacerbate insulin resistance, which is often seen in women with PCOS. Elevated insulin levels due to resistance can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening PCOS symptoms. Office on Women's Health - PCOS

Statistics/Demographics

PCOS affects about 10% of women globally. In urban parts of India, almost 1 in 5 women suffer from PCOS. The combination of obesity and PCOS is increasingly prevalent due to sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits.

Which are the body parts that get effected?

Primarily the ovaries and menstrual cycle are affected, leading to infertility and cyst development. Obesity with PCOS can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, and uterine cancer. Mayo Clinic on PCOS Complications

Symptoms:

Preclinical: Slight weight gain, irregular periods without other noticeable symptoms.

Clinical: Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, menstrual irregularities, excess hair growth, acne and oily skin, and thinning hair on the scalp.

Risk factors:

Family history, insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity, and elevated levels of androgens.

How to control/manage the condition?

Lifestyle modifications are primary: weight management, dietary changes, physical activity, medications for PCOS, and fertility treatments if required. Mayo Clinic on PCOS Treatment

Role of nutrition & diet:

A balanced diet can help manage weight and blood sugar levels, thus managing symptoms of PCOS. Focus on whole foods and minimize processed foods and sugars. PCOS and Diet

What should you focus on?

• Include: High fiber foods, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats like MUFA, and plenty of vegetables.

• Limit: Refined carbohydrates, high sugar foods, saturated, and trans fats.

Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, & Hypertension

These three conditions often coexist and are part of what is sometimes referred to as 'Metabolic Syndrome'. They often share common root causes and can exacerbate each other.

Obesity, particularly visceral fat, promotes insulin resistance and increases blood pressure. Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes. Elevated blood sugar and obesity strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of hypertension. Mayo Clinic on Metabolic Syndrome

Statistics/Demographics

Studies have reported that in urban Indian populations, age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be overall approximately 25% (approximately 31% in women and 18.5% in men). Metabolic Syndrome: The Indian Public Health Perspective

Which are the body parts that get effected?

The cardiovascular system, kidneys, pancreas, and liver are majorly affected. High blood sugar damages vessels and nerves. Excess fat and high blood pressure strain the heart and vessels.

Symptoms:

Preclinical: Slight weight gain, elevated blood sugars and blood pressure without significant symptoms.

Clinical: Marked weight gain, frequent urination, increased thirst, persistent high blood pressure, fatigue, blurred vision. Mayo Clinic on Metabolic Syndrome

Risk factors:

Genetics, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, age, family history, chronic stress, certain ethnicities.

How to control/manage metabolic syndrome?

Lifestyle modifications are primary: weight management, dietary changes, physical activity, medications for blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol if needed. Mayo Clinic on Metabolic Syndrome Treatment

Role of nutrition & diet:

Central to managing all three conditions. A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in sugars and saturated/trans fats is recommended. American Heart Association on Diet & Lifestyle

What should you focus on?

• Include: High fiber, reduced salt, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats

• Limit: Added sugars and processed foods.

Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. When individuals are obese, insulin resistance increases, making it harder for the body to use its insulin effectively. CDC on Obesity & Diabetes

Fat, particularly abdominal fat, releases chemicals that interfere with the body's ability to use insulin effectively. This leads to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes UK on Obesity

Statistics/Demographics

Diabetes affects an estimated 537 million adults worldwide between the age of 20 to 79. By 2030, 643 million people will have diabetes globally, increasing to 783 million by 2045. IDF Diabetes Atlas

Which are the body parts that get effected?

Obesity affects almost all body systems, increasing strain on the heart, joints, etc. Diabetes primarily affects blood sugar levels, but chronic high glucose can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Mayo Clinic on Diabetes

Symptoms:

Preclinical: Unnoticed weight gain, fatigue, silent elevated blood sugars without noticeable symptoms.

Clinical: Marked weight gain, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections. Mayo Clinic on Diabetes

Risk factors:

Genetics, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, age, family history, high blood pressure, low good cholesterol levels, high triglycerides. CDC on Risk Factors

How to control/manage the conditions?

Weight management, dietary changes, physical activity, regular blood sugar monitoring, medications for both diabetes and to assist weight loss if required. Diabetes UK on Management

Role of nutrition & diet:

Crucial for both conditions. A balanced diet can aid in weight loss and stabilize blood sugars. Focus on whole foods and minimize processed foods and sugars.

What should you focus on?

• Include: High fiber foods, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.

• Limit: Refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, and saturated/trans fats. ADA on Eating Well