The below blog post has been written by the research team, and details of how to participate in the research can be found at the bottom of this post. Verity have sighted the ethics approval granted for the recruitment of this study.
Exploring How PCOS Impacts Eating Habits and Body Image in Women
This research aims to increase understanding of how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts women’s eating behaviours and influences their relationship with body image. By placing women’s experiences at the forefront of the research, the study hopes to raise awareness of the emotional and psychological impact of PCOS and support wellbeing strategies. The study is open to adult women aged 18-40 with PCOS (clinical diagnosis or PCOS like symptoms) and without PCOS.
About the Study
This project is being conducted by a final-year psychology student at the University of Nottingham. The research explores how PCOS influences eating patterns, body image and self-perception.
The findings will help inform future support and intervention strategies for women living with PCOS.
The study has received ethical approval from the University of Nottingham’s School of Psychology Research Ethics Committee.
What’s Involved?
- Completing a short online survey about your experiences with PCOS, eating habits, and body image.
- Takes around 25-30 minutes to complete
- Participation is anonymous and completely voluntary
- Conducted entirely online via Qualtrics
Who Can Take Part?
- Women aged 18 to 40
- Those with:
- PCOS (clinically diagnosed)
- PCOS like symptoms
- Non-PCOS women.
- Must NOT:
- currently have, or have previously had, a diagnosed eating disorder
- Be using any appetite modifying drugs.
- Have medical conditions known to affect menstrual or metabolic function (e.g., thyroid disease, diabetes).
- Not pregnant
Why Take Part?
By taking part, you’ll be helping to improve understanding of the psychological side of PCOS, particularly how it affects relationships with food and body image. Research investigating PCOS and eating behaviour is limited, and the causal relationship between PCOS symptoms and disordered eating is not yet clear. Your input could help shape future research and support for women with PCOS in healthcare and mental health settings.
How to Get Involved
If you’d like to take part, please click the link below to access the study information and survey:
https://nottinghampsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gzdL2UKKoeYSGi
Participation will remain open until [closing date, March 2026].
About the Researcher
This study is being conducted by an undergraduate Psychology student at the University of Nottingham. She is passionate about women’s health and familiar with the struggles of the condition. She aims to contribute to a greater understanding of the psychological experiences of those living with PCOS.
Closing & Contact
Thank you for taking the time to read about this study. Please consider sharing it with others who may be eligible to take part.
If you have any questions, you can contact the researcher at lpysv3@nottingham.ac.uk.
Verity - The PCOS charity 