Impact of social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviors and weight management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Purpose COVID-19 pandemic has far-reaching psychosocial implications for chronic health conditions. We aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 associated social isolation affects lifestyle and weight control in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods We conducted an online survey involving 232 women with PCOS and 157 healthy controls on weight changes, physical activity, sleep and eating patterns using Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-18), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). PCOS-related quality of life questionnaire (PCOSQ) was also completed by the patients. Results While 48.5% of all participants gained weight, 13.9% maintained a stable weight, and 37.6% lost weight during the 14-week social isolation. The distribution of weight change was similar between groups ( p = 0.44). All participants reported a decrease in physical activity ( p