--- title: Is obesity linked to worse PMS symptoms and menstrual problems? description: Yes, obese women had much more PMS (113.83 vs. 62.5 severity score) and more depression and anxiety (97.5% vs. 47.5%). However, this small hospital study in B url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/obesity-and-its-relationship-with-menstrual-irregularities-and-pms-related-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Is obesity linked to worse PMS symptoms and menstrual problems? Survey study, 2026 # Is obesity linked to worse PMS symptoms and menstrual problems? Yes, obese women had much more PMS (113.83 vs. 62.5 severity score) and more depression and anxiety (97.5% vs. 47.5%). However, this small hospital study in Bangladesh can't tell us if weight loss would reduce PMS. Early or limited evidence 80 female medical students aged 18–25 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh ## What they did 80 female medical students aged 18–25 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital were divided by obesity status. Researchers collected information on body weight, menstrual patterns, and PMS severity using questionnaires. ## What they found Obese participants had higher PMS severity scores (113.83 ± 12.54 vs. 62.5 ± 14.31). Psychological symptoms were more common in the obese group: anxiety 85% vs. 50%, depression 97.5% vs. 47.5%. Behavioral symptoms were also more frequent: social withdrawal 60% vs. 22.5%, impaired work 77.5% vs. 35%. Obese participants had longer and heavier menstrual flow. ## What it means for you Obesity was strongly linked with worse PMS, anxiety, depression, and heavier periods in this group, suggesting weight management could help improve these symptoms. However, this was a small study of medical students at one hospital in Bangladesh, and we can't prove that weight loss would reduce PMS. 113.83 vs. 62.5 PMS severity scores (obese vs. non-obese) 97.5% vs. 47.5% depression rates (obese vs. non-obese) 85% vs. 50% anxiety rates (obese vs. non-obese) ## About the study Original title Obesity and Its Relationship with Menstrual Irregularities and PMS-Related Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms Among Medical Students Authors Tausif Sanzeem, Shahanara Yeasmin Journal The Insight Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 80 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18132856](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18132856) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves recurring emotional and behavioral symptoms before menstruation, often intensified by stress, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. While previous studies show significant impacts, many lacks broader applicability. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity, menstrual irregularities, and PMS-related psychological and behavioral symptoms among medical students. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study at Dhaka Medical College Hospital included 80 female students (18–25 years) with regular cycles, divided into non-obese and obese groups. Data on socio-demographics, reproductive history, lifestyle, and psychological factors were collected via questionnaire, and PMS severity was assessed using a validated tool. Analysis used SPSS 26 with appropriate statistical tests (p < 0.05). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: Obese participants had higher age, weight, and BMI, longer and heavier menstrual flow, and greater PMS severity (PMSS 113.83 ± 12.54 vs. 62.5 ± 14.31). Psychological symptoms (anxiety 85% vs. 50%, depression 97.5% vs. 47.5%) and behavioral issues (social withdrawal 60% vs. 22.5%, impaired work 77.5% vs. 35%) were also more frequent, showing a strong link between obesity and PMS severity. Conclusion: Obesity was associated with higher PMS severity, more psychological and behavioral symptoms, longer and heavier menstrual flow, and increased clinical complaints, highlighting the need for weight management and supportive interventions to improve well-being. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2023 How common are PMS and PMDD among college girls, and what are their symptoms? Survey study, 2013 Can headaches happen in the middle of a woman's cycle? Survey study, 2026 What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women? Survey study, 2025 How do personality traits like neuroticism affect PMS severity and sexual satisfaction? Survey study, 2025 Is PMS connected to mental health problems and lifestyle choices? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗