Assessing barriers to weight management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition in women of reproductive age with reproductive, metabolic and psychological implications. Weight gain and obesity worsen the features of PCOS, and weight management is first line therapy (encompassing multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions, comprising dietary, exercise and behavioural therapy). However, evidence of higher obesity rates, weight gain in community populations and high attrition rates in clinical dietary interventions suggests that women with PCOS experience challenges with weight management. While this may be related to potential physiological reasons including abnormalities in appetite regulation and energy expenditure or psychological reasons relating to worsened mental health, the exact nature of these remain unclear. Proposed research: The primary aim of this PhD is to examine a range of physiological and psychological barriers to weight management in women with PCOS. This will involve systematic reviews of the existing literature and conducting clinical research in women with and without PCOS at baseline and following lifestyle interventions involving examination of a range of outcomes including gut hormones, subjective appetite and satiety and energy expenditure as well as psychological outcomes including stress, anxiety and depression and lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity. This project is a collaboration with Monash BASE (Be Active Sleep Eat) Facility.