PCOS self-management challenges transcend BMI: A call for equitable support strategies
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Ogbuogebe Prisca Chigozie
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the recently published article, Relationship between body mass index and quality of life, use of dietary and physical activity self-management strategies, and mental health in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome by Masters and Grevstad. Their study offers insights on the interaction between body mass index (BMI), quality of life, self-management strategies, and mental health in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) [1]. The study challenges the hypothesis that self-management problems are present only in those who have a high BMI and stresses the need for multifaceted and personalized support measures for all PCOS patients [1].
One of the key results of the study is the poor utilization of diet and exercise self-management behaviors across all BMI categories with minimal difference in the adherence scores [1]. This suggests that self-management barriers in PCOS are inherent in the condition itself and not specifically linked to weight. This finding is supported by previous research, which has shown that although awareness of lifestyle recommendations is high, adherence is poor in PCOS women regardless of weight status [2]. Furthermore, study findings are in agreement with the existing literature reporting the association of PCOS with high anxiety, depressive symptomology, and reduced health-related quality of life, which are all potentially contributory factors for poor self-management strategies [3].
Furthermore, Masters and Grevstad define a gap between cognitive engagement with self-management strategies (e.g., awareness of the advantages of physical activity) and their behavioral enactment (e.g., creating contingency plans for maintaining activity levels). This division is commensurate with self-management trajectories in other chronic illnesses in which psychological and behavioral processes are key to adherence [4]. Their results call for the implementation of systematic behavioral interventions that extend beyond conventional patient education to close this gap.
Given the study’s implications, I propose that future research prioritize creating uniform tools to assess self-management skills in patients with PCOS, identifying condition-specific barriers to adherence to lifestyle interventions, and assessing the efficacy of specific self-management interventions compared to standard lifestyle advice.
By redirecting the focus toward targeted, realistic care approaches, PCOS care can become more equitable and effective for all individuals affected by this disorder.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this issue. Commendations to the authors for this nuanced perspective that advances personalized care for all individuals with PCOS.
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the anonymous reviewers for their time and insightful feedback, which have greatly enhanced the quality of this article. I also thank the editor for the efficient handling and organization of the review process.
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Funding information: The author states no funding involved.
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Author contributions: The author confirms the sole responsibility for the conception of the study, presented results and manuscript preparation.
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Conflict of interest: The author states no conflict of interest.
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Data availability statement: Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.
References
[1] Masters M, Grevstad N. Relationship between body mass index and quality of life, use of dietary and physical activity self-management strategies, and mental health in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome. Open Health. 2025;6(1):20230055. 10.1515/ohe-2023-0055.Suche in Google Scholar
[2] Lin AW, Dollahite JS, Sobal J, Lujan ME. Health-related knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2018;33(1):91–100. 10.1093/humrep/dex351.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[3] Dokras A, Clifton S, Futterweit W, Wild R. Androgen excess-polycystic ovary syndrome society: position statement on depression, anxiety, quality of life, and eating disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2018;109(5):888–99. 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.038.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[4] Shayeghian Z, Hassanabadi H, Aguilar-Vafaie ME, Amiri P, Besharat MA. A randomized controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for type 2 diabetes management: The moderating role of coping styles. PLoS One. 2016;11(12):e0166599. 10.1371/journal.pone.0166599.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
© 2025 the author(s), published by De Gruyter
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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