Eating disorders

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal condition that affects about one in ten women* of childbearing age. It is estimated that women* with PCOS are around three times more likely to have an eating disorder (ED) compared to women* without PCOS.

Dr Marie-Christine Opitz from the University of Edinburgh will explore the lived experiences of women* with both PCOS and EDs, to examine how PCOS symptoms and management may affect the risk of developing an ED.

The team will firstly use interviews and focus groups to investigate women*’s perspectives on why and how PCOS and EDs might be linked. They will then study influential PCOS podcasts to explore lived and professional experiences around symptom management, while focusing on the messages and advice that is being shared. The researchers will use a technique called 'podcast ethnography' to explore how PCOS experiences might be relevant to ED development, continuation, and recovery.

Finally, Dr Opitz will draw on insights gathered from preceding studies to design and launch an online survey for women* with PCOS and EDs, to test developed theories around PCOS-specific ED risks. Findings from this project will have implications for person-centred eating disorder prevention and treatment.