How Overweight and Obesity Affect Women's Health

Pregnancy and fertility in the context of obesity

Obesity can affect both fertility and pregnancy in several ways. Hormonal changes, insulin resistance and irregular ovulation can make it take longer to conceive. Many people find that their menstrual cycle becomes more regular when insulin resistance improves, which in turn can increase the chance of ovulation.

During pregnancy, the risk of certain complications increases if a person has obesity. These may include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and greater physical strain on the body during pregnancy. Labour can also be affected, for example through an increased likelihood of caesarean section or a longer labour process.

It is important to remember that many people with obesity do become pregnant and have healthy babies. With medical assessment, support for lifestyle changes and regular follow-up, risks can be reduced and the conditions for a healthy pregnancy can be improved. For those planning a pregnancy, even small improvements in health and weight can have a positive impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

PCOS and insulin resistance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions among women of reproductive age. Many people are familiar with symptoms such as irregular periods, increased hair growth or difficulty becoming pregnant, but fewer know how strongly PCOS is linked to the body’s ability to handle insulin. Here we will go through what insulin resistance is, why it is common in PCOS and what you can do to support your health.

What is insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body absorb sugar from the bloodstream and use it as energy. When the cells do not respond properly to insulin, the condition is called insulin resistance. The body then tries to compensate by producing more insulin, which leads to higher insulin levels in the blood.

Elevated insulin levels can affect several functions in the body, including hormone balance. In people with PCOS, this can contribute to increased levels of androgens (male-type hormones such as testosterone), which in turn may cause symptoms such as acne, increased hair growth and irregular ovulation.

Why insulin resistance is common in PCOS

Research shows that a large proportion of people with PCOS have insulin resistance, even those who are normal weight. This means that insulin resistance is not only linked to excess weight, but to the underlying disease mechanism itself.

There are several explanations for this connection:

This creates a vicious cycle where insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance reinforce each other. This is why many people with PCOS experience symptoms such as fatigue after meals, sugar cravings, weight gain around the abdomen or difficulty losing weight.

How to recognise insulin resistance

Insulin resistance often causes vague symptoms that can be easy to miss. Common signs include:

Symptoms vary, and many people notice nothing at all. This is why medical assessment and blood tests are often necessary to get a clear picture.

How insulin resistance is assessed in PCOS

An evaluation may include fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile or, in some cases, an oral glucose tolerance test. It is rarely a single test that provides the answer — instead, the overall picture is assessed.

How to improve insulin resistance

There are several ways to positively influence insulin resistance, and small changes can make a big difference over time. Eating at regular times helps keep blood sugar stable. A combination of protein, fibre and slow-release carbohydrates helps prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. Physical activity increases the cells’ sensitivity to insulin, and even short walks after meals can be helpful. High stress levels can affect both blood sugar and hormones. Good sleep is important for hormone balance and the body’s recovery.

Medical treatment

In some cases, medication that improves insulin sensitivity may be appropriate. This is always assessed individually by licensed healthcare professionals.

Why it is important to treat insulin resistance in PCOS

Improving insulin resistance can reduce androgen levels, improve menstrual regularity, increase the chance of ovulation, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve energy levels and overall wellbeing.

Many people find that their symptoms become easier to manage when insulin resistance improves, even though PCOS itself is a chronic condition.

Summary

PCOS and insulin resistance are closely linked. Insulin resistance is very common in PCOS and can affect both hormone balance and symptoms. It is not a sign of poor discipline or wrong choices, but a biological mechanism that can be influenced with the right support. Through lifestyle changes, and in some cases medical treatment and continuous follow-up, it is possible to improve insulin sensitivity and feel better in the long term.

Sources