People with more fat around the abdomen compared to fat around the hips and thighs have a higher likelihood of developing polycystic ovary syndrome.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Beyond BMI: A Mendelian Randomization Study of the Causal Effects and Mediating Pathways of Regional Adipose Tissue Depots on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Computational/Algorithm Study

2025

This study found that people with more fat around their belly compared to their hips and thighs are more likely to have PCOS, while more fat in the hips and thighs seems to protect against it. It’s not just about being overweight—it’s where the fat is stored.

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

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According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Beyond BMI: A Mendelian Randomization Study of the Causal Effects and Mediating Pathways of Regional Adipose Tissue Depots on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s552619

Similar Assertions

Women of European ancestry with a genetic tendency to store more fat around the hips and thighs have a 15.5% lower risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome, likely due to better insulin regulation and lower leptin levels, compared to those with different fat distribution patterns.

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82%

In individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome, a specific type of body fat around the hips and thighs appears to lower risk primarily by improving how the body responds to insulin, with fasting insulin levels accounting for most of this protective effect.

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77%

Women with PCOS are more sensitive to the negative effects of fat in the blood — their muscles struggle much more to use sugar when fat levels rise, compared to women without PCOS.

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45

70%