Just listening to "Case Notes". It was about obesity but they were talking about insulin resistance and the problems it can cause (quite alarming what it can be responsible for) and then mentioned PCOS as well.
The programme will be repeated tommorrow at 4.30 pm (GMT +1). You can also listen again here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/casenotes.shtml
I include the details of the programme here.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Tuesday 6 May 2003
Obesity
Obesity
In Case Notes this week, presenter Graham Easton explores the science behind the global obesity epidemic. Over 60% of the UK adult population and nearly 30% of our children are overweight – and it’s not merely a cosmetic problem. Obesity is rapidly becoming Britain’s number one health threat, outstripping smoking-related diseases, cancers and drugs.
Graham’s guest, Professor Terry Wilkin from SouthamptonUniversity explains the latest thinking on the link between obesity and ill-health, encapsulated in what’s become known as the “Metabolic Syndrome”. Fat cells used to be seen as inert blubber, but now fat is thought of as one of the most active hormonal organs of the body. Abdominal fat releases hormones which render other body tissues resistant to insulin. The result is high insulin levels and high sugar levels. This combination of high sugar levels and high insulin levels leads to high blood fats, high blood pressure and thicker blood – all of which add up to catastrophe for the heart.
Graham hears about a new study called the EarlyBird study which is attempting to unravel the underlying causes behind the increase in child obesity. There’s also a report on research into the control of human appetite, and an interview about the role of metabolism in becoming overweight.
PCOS on BBC Radio 4 
