The association between body image and well-being in polycystic ovary syndrome: a mixed-methods study
Authors' conclusion
BI concerns are central to psychological morbidity and reduced QoL in PCOS. Establishing OP and SW cut-offs enables early risk stratification, while acknowledging that SES influences may support equitable, patient-centred care.
Study context
- Population
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), UK (June 2023–October 2024)41 interviewed
- Participants
- 171 women
- Outcome
- Body image and psychological risk
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- ROC cut-off for depression: self-classified weight score (SW)
- ≥ 4.25
- ROC cut-off for anxiety: overweight preoccupation (OP)
- ≥ 2.88
- Higher SW scores predicted greater depression risk (adjusted)
- nearly 5-fold
- Elevated OP scores: higher anxiety risk (adjusted)
- 4-fold
- Elevated OP scores: disordered eating risk (adjusted)
- doubled
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
PCOS-QoL
- With body mass index (BMI), OP and SW predicted most PCOS-QoL domains; strongest effects in weight-related quality of life (QoL)
Moderation by socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity
- Socioeconomic deprivation amplified OP effects on disordered eating; ethnicity showed minimal influence
Qualitative findings
- Weight gain, hirsutism, negative diagnostic experiences and social withdrawal were key distress drivers
Original publication
The association between body image and well-being in polycystic ovary syndrome: a mixed-methods study. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 9 February 2026. doi:10.
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