Introduction:

The association between obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome is important because it amplifies metabolic, reproductive, psychological, or quality of life disorders. However, it is commonly overestimated or used as a diagnostic criterion, which denotes an unclear definition of this relationship.

Objective:

To analyze what, in the authors' opinion, could be "myths" about obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome and their consistency with the available evidence.

Methods:

A state-of-the-art review on this subject was performed and contrasted with own criteria.

Conclusions:

Some widespread beliefs about obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome, although they have some degree of certainty, are misinterpreted or magnified, so they can be considered "myths". Understanding that the patients may not suffer from obesity and still have abdominal adiposity and the effects that derive from it, does not deny the indisputable evidence that, if present, it aggravates the syndrome. Discussing the subject intends to contribute to diagnose the syndrome not only in women with obesity. The aim is to consider it as a risk factor for obesity and to prevent it, to understand that obesity can be reversed, and to incorporate counseling on healthy lifestyles and body weight control as pillars of treatment in all women with the syndrome, with or without obesity.

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