Obesity-related metabolic and reproductive dysfunction: variations between the sexes

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Obesity prevalence remains at epidemic levels globally and is showing no signs of abating in either adult or child populations.

Areas covered: Obesity-associated metabolic and reproductive diseases appear to be sexually dimorphic. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and male obesity-associated secondary (hypogonadotrophic) hypogonadism (MOSH) represent two of the most common obesity associated endocrinopathies with sex-specific metabo-reproductive aberrations. These two diseases have entirely separate pathogeneses, with characteristic sex-specific clinico-pathological findings. These differences result from effects of sex-specific hormones, including estrogens and androgens. Such differences in sex-hormones also influence patterns of body-fat distribution.

Expert commentary: This article focuses on sex-specific obesity-related metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. To illustrate key sex-related differences in the mechanisms by which obesity contributes towards metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, two common obesity-related conditions affecting women and men are considered: respectively, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Male Obesity-associated Secondary Hypogonadism (MOSH).

KEYWORDS:

• Obesity
• sex differences
• MOSH
• PCOS
• estrogens
• androgens
• adipose tissue

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.