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Figure 1. Connections between PCOS, obesity and T2DM. PCOS can influence the development of obesity and T2DM. Hyperandrogenism found in women with PCOS may induce the WAT remodeling process and, in the presence of genetic predisposition, poor dietary choices, and a sedentary lifestyle, it can lead to obesity. An obesity-disrupted WAT can contribute to T2DM development through mechanisms such as inflammation, lipotoxicity, and adipokine signaling. Insulin resistance found in T2DM, and enhanced by hyperandrogenism in PCOS, induces a compensatory response of pancreatic β cells to secrete more insulin. Hyperinsulinemia affects ovarian morphology and function, reinforcing hyperandrogenism in PCOS. In that scenario, the practice of physical exercise can help in the mitigation of obesity and T2DM in women with PCOS. PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; WAT: white adipose tissue; FFA: free fatty acids.