The Relationship Between Obesity, PCOS, and Menopause in Women

Visual showing the link between obesity, PCOS, and menopause in women

BMI Calculator +91 9820062040 | +91 8356977265 enquiry@thedigestive.in Digestive Health Institute by Dr. Muffi Home About us Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, Founder Our Team Outreach OPD Training & Workshops Science & Magic of DHI Global Patient Program Work with DHI Eat Right Prescription Weight Management Support Emotional Wellness Rehabilitation Therapy Restorative Plastic Surgery Nutritional Supplements Obesity Support Group Test & Investigations Common FAQ’S Obesity Surgery Endoscopic-Gastric Balloon Endoscopic-Gastric Sleeve Revisional Bariatric Surgery Roux En Y Gastric Bypass SADI (malabsorptive) Sleeve Gastrectomy Sleeve + Optimal Weight Child Nutrition Lifestyle Nutrition Weight Management Gut Care Gut Reset Expert Care Diabetes Control Menopause Wellness PCOS Management Post Surgery Nutrition General Surgery General Surgery Adrenalectomy (Adrenal gland Removal) Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Surgery) Hernia Surgery Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal Surgery) 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Sleeve Gastrectomy Sleeve + Optimal Weight Child Nutrition Lifestyle Nutrition Weight Management Gut Care Gut Reset Expert Care Diabetes Control Menopause Wellness PCOS Management Post Surgery Nutrition General Surgery General Surgery Adrenalectomy (Adrenal gland Removal) Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Surgery) Hernia Surgery Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal Surgery) Splenectomy (Spleen Removal) VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy – Key hole Chest Surgery) GI Surgery Hydatid Cyst Removal (Liver Cyst Removal) Puestow’s Procedure (Chronic Pancreatitis Drainage Surgery) GI Oncology Gastric (Stomach) Cancer GEJ (Gastroesophageal Junction) Cancer Large Intestine Cancer (Colon & Rectum) Small Intestine Cancer (Small Bowel) Whipple’s Surgery (Pancreatic Cancer) Media & Stories Testimonials Our Health Partners Press Blogs Journal & Publication Connect Contact Us Locations Digestive Health Institute by Dr. Muffi Home About us Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala Our Team Outreach OPD’s Training & Workshops Science & Magic of DHI Global Patient Program Work with DHI Eat Right Prescription Weight Management Optimal Weight Child Nutrition Lifestyle Nutrition Weight Management Gut Care Gut Reset Expert Care Diabetes Control Menopause Wellness PCOS Management Post Surgery Nutrition Obesity surgery Endoscopic- Gastric Balloon Endoscopic- Gastric Sleeve Revisional Bariatric Surgeries Roux En Y Gastric Bypass SADI Procedure Sleeve Gastrectomy Sleeve + Support Emotional Wellness Rehabilitation Therapy Restorative Plastic Surgery Nutritional Supplements Obesity Support Group Test & Investigations Common FAQ’S General Surgery General Surgery Adrenalectomy Appendectomy Cholecystectomy Hernia Surgery Hysterectomy Splenectomy Video-Assissted Thoracoscopy (VATS) GI Surgery Hydatid Cyst Removal Puestow’s Procedure GI Oncology Stomach Cancers GEJ (Gastroesophageal Junction) Cancer Large Intestine Cancer Small Intestine Cancer Whipple’s Surgery Media & Stories Testimonials Our Partners Press Blogs Journal & Publications Connect Contact Us Locations Home About us Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala Our Team Outreach OPD’s Training & Workshops Science & Magic of DHI Global Patient Program Work with DHI Eat Right Prescription Weight Management Optimal Weight Child Nutrition Lifestyle Nutrition Weight Management Gut Care Gut Reset Expert Care Diabetes Control Menopause Wellness PCOS Management Post Surgery Nutrition Obesity surgery Endoscopic- Gastric Balloon Endoscopic- Gastric Sleeve Revisional Bariatric Surgeries Roux En Y Gastric Bypass SADI Procedure Sleeve Gastrectomy Sleeve + Support Emotional Wellness Rehabilitation Therapy Restorative Plastic Surgery Nutritional Supplements Obesity Support Group Test & Investigations Common FAQ’S General Surgery General Surgery Adrenalectomy Appendectomy Cholecystectomy Hernia Surgery Hysterectomy Splenectomy Video-Assissted Thoracoscopy (VATS) GI Surgery Hydatid Cyst Removal Puestow’s Procedure GI Oncology Stomach Cancers GEJ (Gastroesophageal Junction) Cancer Large Intestine Cancer Small Intestine Cancer Whipple’s Surgery Media & Stories Testimonials Our Partners Press Blogs Journal & Publications Connect Contact Us Locations The Relationship Between Obesity, PCOS, and Menopause in Women Women’s health is shaped by a complex interplay of hormones, metabolism, and life-stage transitions. Two conditions that stand out for their significant impact on women are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and menopause. While both are distinct phases of reproductive and metabolic health, obesity often acts as a connecting factor, influencing the onset, severity, and outcomes of each. In this three-part series, we’ll explore how obesity, PCOS, and menopause are interlinked, why women face heightened risks at different stages of life, and what strategies exist for prevention and management. Understanding Obesity in Women’s Health Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above indicates obesity. But in women, obesity does more than increase risk for cardiovascular diseases or diabetes—it disrupts reproductive health. – Why Women Are at Greater Risk Hormonal fluctuations: Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens influence fat storage and metabolism. Life-stage transitions: Puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause all increase vulnerability to weight gain. Metabolic differences: Women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men, making weight management biologically harder. – The Vicious Cycle Obesity triggers insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, which worsen hormonal imbalances. In turn, these hormonal disruptions promote fat storage—creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by: Irregular or absent periods Excess androgen levels (leading to acne, hirsutism, hair thinning) Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound – The Role of Obesity in PCOS Obesity is not the cause of PCOS, but it worsens the condition. Around 40–80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Excess fat, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, aggravates insulin resistance, which in turn drives androgen production. This results in: More severe menstrual irregularities Higher risk of infertility Greater metabolic complications (prediabetes, diabetes, heart disease) – Insulin Resistance as a Common Link Both obesity and PCOS share insulin resistance as