Untangling the Link between Eating Disorders and PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to five million people
in the U.S., yet it remains poorly understood. Many people with
PCOS go undiagnosed while experiencing symptoms such as irregular
periods, changes in hair and body shape, acne and infertility. Even
after a diagnosis, they’re often told to lose weight to manage
symptoms—advice that some researchers now say can be harmful. 
A recent study found that people with PCOS are more likely to have
eating disorders, regardless of their body mass index. Laura
Cooney, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health, co-authored the study. She
joins host Rachel Feltman to discuss why the focus on weight loss
for PCOS treatment needs to be reconsidered. This episode is part
of “Health Equity Heroes,” an editorially independent special
project that was produced with financial support from Takeda
Pharmaceuticals. E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have
any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!
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