PCOS AND METABOLIC DYSREGULATION IN SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN: ASSOCIATION OF WEIGHT GAIN, PREDIABETES, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder that significantly affects the reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health of women of reproductive age. The present study was conducted to assess the association of weight gain, prediabetes, and psychosocial impacts among South Asian women with PCOS. This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out at ddepartment of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.from September 2023 and September 2025 and included 200 women aged 18–40 years with confirmed PCOS. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and psychosocial data were collected using a structured proforma. Prediabetes was assessed using fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, while psychosocial burden was evaluated using PHQ-9 and GAD-7. The mean age of participants was 26.8 ± 4.9 years, and the mean BMI was 28.6 ± 4.3 kg/m². Most participants were either overweight (38%) or obese (36%). Prediabetes was identified in 36% of women, while psychosocial distress was observed in 61%. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were found in 32% and 35% of participants, respectively. A significant association was observed between higher BMI and prediabetes (p < 0.001). The findings indicate that PCOS in South Asian women is strongly associated with metabolic dysregulation and psychosocial burden, emphasizing the need for early metabolic screening and holistic clinical management.