Adolescent “Lean PCOS” Is Characterized by Higher Insulin Resistance and Adverse Adipokine Profile - Summary - MDSpire
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Lean PCOS in Adolescents Exhibits Elevated Insulin Resistance and Detrimental Adipokine Profiles

  • By

  • Rachel C Whooten

  • Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman

  • Izzuddin M Aris

  • Wei Perng

  • Jorge E Chavarro

  • Emily Oken

  • Marie-France Hivert

  • December 8, 2025

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Objective:

To examine specific cardiometabolic biomarkers and growth trajectories in adolescents with vs without PCOS, stratified by BMI category.

Key Findings:
  • 14% of participants met criteria for PCOS, indicating a notable prevalence.
  • Adolescents with PCOS and BMI <85th percentile had earlier peak height velocity and significantly higher insulin resistance.
  • No significant differences in adiposity measures by PCOS status within either BMI category.
Interpretation:

PCOS in adolescents, even those with normal BMI, is associated with increased insulin resistance and adverse adipokine profiles, indicating significant metabolic dysfunction that warrants clinical attention.

Limitations:
  • Study focused on a specific cohort, limiting generalizability to broader populations.
  • Cross-sectional nature may not establish causality, making it difficult to infer temporal relationships.
Conclusion:

Lean adolescents with PCOS exhibit significant metabolic dysfunction, highlighting the need for awareness and early identification of PCOS risk regardless of body weight.

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