Adv Nutr. 2026 Sep 16:100734. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100734. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) affects 8-13% of women across the lifespan. Those with PMOS have reduced quality of life and increased risk of co-morbidities including elevated weight, eating disorders, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. PMOS is a major population in clinical dietetic practice and dietary intervention is the first-line approach recommended to target metabolic risk in the international evidence-based guidelines for assessment and management of PCOS. The past name, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was ovarian-centric and did not accurately reflect the pathophysiology, endocrine or metabolic dysfunction of the syndrome. The new name PMOS has been determined by a rigorous global consensus process including 56 organizations, >14,000 survey responses and consultation with experts and patients in workshops that identified the need for accurate medical representation of the syndrome and a stigma-reducing name. Dietitians encounter PMOS patients with increased cardiometabolic risk that also experience high rates of elevated weight, weight-stigma and eating disorders. Nutrition care of PMOS patients often involves managing these conditions, use of anti-obesity and diabetes medications, conferring with prescribing clinicians and navigating patient goals and preferences. Improved recognition of the metabolic risks can strengthen alignment with dietary management approaches and referral to nutrition care services as part of the multidisciplinary care needed in those with PMOS. Dietitians can play a key role in managing nutritional misinformation, supporting patient health literacy and nutritional self-management. The new name can contribute to expanded opportunities for nutritional research that targets endocrine and metabolic outcomes to improve the clinical care, health and well-being of those living with PMOS. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome. This perspective article highlights the rationale for the name change related to endocrine features and metabolic risk and the role nutritional management and dietetic practice, highlighting recent updates on dietary approaches, body weight, anti-obesity medications and eating disorders in PMOS.
PMID:42749129 | DOI:10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100734