Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients and Obstetricians/Gynecologists

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder commonly affecting women of reproductive age. Compared with women without PCOS, women with PCOS are more likely to have overweight or obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To better understand the role of obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in diagnosis and treatment of patients with PCOS and obesity, we conducted an anonymous, United States population-based, cross-sectional online survey with 251 patients with PCOS and obesity and 305 health care professionals (HCPs), of which 125 were OB/GYNs. RESULTS: In the most common patient journey, most patients were diagnosed (66%) and treated (59%) by OB/GYNs. Most patients (51%) considered OB/GYNs to be the coordinator of their PCOS care. For ongoing management of patients with PCOS and obesity, OB/GYNs reported prescribing general improvements in lifestyle (91%), oral contraceptives (91%), metformin (85%), letrozole (74%), spironolactone (71%), specific diets (60%), medroxyprogesterone (45%), and anti-obesity medications (27%). OB/GYNs were significantly more likely than other HCPs surveyed to strongly agree with the statement that they do not know enough about anti-obesity medications to feel comfortable prescribing them to their patients with PCOS and obesity (p < 0.05). Most OB/GYNs believed that consultation with a dietitian/nutritionist (75%) or access to a physician who specializes in obesity (67%) were the most beneficial types of support for their patients with PCOS and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: OB/GYNs recognize the importance of obesity management for the treatment of PCOS; however, utilization of effective obesity tools to treat these patients is low. OB/GYNs may benefit from additional education on obesity management strategies.