There are serious worries that Indian girls are putting themselves at risk of infertility and diabetes.

Scientists believe that the love of fast food plus an inability to handle stress has caused an increase in the incidence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a hormonal disorder which manifests itself in enlarged ovaries along with numerous small cysts encrusting the outer layer of the ovary.

In some patients there is an underlying genetic predisposition to PCOS. However most scientists believe that indulging in too much junk food, increasing stress and a sedentary lifestyle are the major precursors for PCOS and hence infertility.

Speaking with reporters, Dr Dhillon-Pai said around 25 per cent of the PCOS cases were actually adolescents.

One of the issues is that young girls are more interested in getting their cosmetic problems sorted rather than dealing with abnormal menstrual cycles.

Another medical scientist, Dr Dudhedia said that in these patients it is common to see serum insulin, amino acid and insulin resistance levels as above what they should be. This means that there is a natural tendency to be more obese.

Medical experts are also concerned that while treatment for PCOS is possible, it isn’t a cure. All that treatment will do is to help manage the condition.

As for infertility risk, treatment doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk.

Infertility is a major concern in India. PCOS seems to be on the increase as India becomes more westernised.

However environmental issues, in particular pollution are known to be one of the major reasons for infertility in the sub-continent.