Studies indicate that
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) features (e.g.
insulin instability, food cravings, overproduction of
androgens and
menstrual irregularities) are associated with increased appetite, impaired impulse control and feelings of body dissatisfaction. Counter intuitively,
binge eating behaviors have been shown to reinforce PCOS symptomatology, precipitating concurrently body dissatisfaction,
weight gain,
insulin instability and overproduction of
androgens. The present systematic literature review aspires to investigate the relationship between
binge eating, in the broader context of
eating disorder behaviors, and
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), taking into account shared characteristics between EDs (
Eating Disorders) and PCOS. To address this aim, the
PRISMA guidelines are adopted. A total of 21 studies, which investigated the presence of
binge eating in PCOS population and the presence of PCOS in EDs population, were synthesized. Findings suggested that an increased prevalence of
binge eating has been reported in women with
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); and that women suffering from BN (
Bulimia Nervosa) and BED (
Binge Eating Disorder) are more likely to display polycystic ovaries. Further research on their shared liability is required in order to inform more efficient prevention and treatment initiatives for populations presenting with comorbid features.