Weight-related struggles, eating behaviour, physical activity, and fitness of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

Thesis event information

Date and time of the thesis defence

Place of the thesis defence

Auditorium 4 of Oulu University Hospital

Topic of the dissertation

Weight-related struggles, eating behaviour, physical activity, and fitness of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

Doctoral candidate

Master of Science Emilia Pesonen

Faculty and unit

University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research unit of clinical medicine

Subject of study

Medicine

Opponent

Docent Saila Koivusalo, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital

Custos

Professor Terhi Piltonen, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital

Visit thesis event

Add event to calendar

Weight-related struggles, eating behaviour, physical activity, and fitness of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

Women with PCOS experience more challenges with weight management and body image and have a higher risk for disordered eating behaviour compared to women without PCOS. However, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, and physical fitness did not differ between the two groups.

The results of the present doctoral thesis revealed that despite attempting to lose weight more frequently, women with PCOS had more often overweight compared to those without PCOS. Moreover, they were more likely to perceive themselves as being overweight, even when their BMI was in the normal range. Additionally, weight loss attempts, the perception of being overweight, and psychological distress were significant predictors of disordered eating behaviour in middle age. These findings underline the need to provide comprehensive support for women with PCOS, addressing disordered eating risks, psychological distress, and weight stigma.

Additionally, the present doctoral thesis showed that although women with PCOS did not differ from those without PCOS in terms of physical activity levels and sedentary time, their cardiometabolic health was poorer. However, even a small increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with more favorable cardiometabolic markers. Physical fitness did not differ between the groups, although androgen excess was independently linked with lower cardiorespiratory fitness but higher grip strength. These findings suggest that physical activity guidelines tailored to women with PCOS, particularly those with hyperandrogenism, may be beneficial.

The aim of the present doctoral thesis was to examine the lifestyle-related factors in women with PCOS, particularly in middle age, as most studies have focused on younger women of reproductive age. PCOS is the most common endocrine condition in women, characterized by a substantial health burden, including metabolic and psychological challenges such as type 2 diabetes and depression. The typical features of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycle, androgen excess, and polycystic ovaries.

The study was based on the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 data, in which 13% of women were identified as having PCOS. Lifestyle-related factors in women with and without PCOS were examined at the ages of 31 and 46 using questionnaires and clinical measurements.
Last updated: 21.3.2025