Weight and PCOS have a complex relationship. It’s not clear if excess weight raises the risk of PCOS or if PCOS causes excess weight. Obesity is common among women with PCOS. One of the characteristics of PCOS is that women with the condition carry their weight differently. Even women with “lean PCOS,” who do not have overweight or obesity, are more likely to carry excess fat on their stomachs, rather than their hips or other areas. It is known that, for women who are able to, losing weight can improve symptoms. However, many women with PCOS and obesity have a more difficult time losing weight than the average woman, due to insulin resistance.  If you carry extra weight, it’s important to know that you may metabolize some drugs differently than the average individual, leading to differences in the drug’s effectiveness and side effects.