‘Body positivity in the truest sense’: Gabbi Garcia opens up about PCOS diagnosis

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December 22, 2025 | 2:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — Actress-host Gabbi Garcia shared that her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has made her kinder to her own body, prompting her to work out and maintain an active lifestyle to manage her condition, in a body positivity post on Instagram.

The “Encantadia” star revealed that she was diagnosed with PCOS in 2018 but initially kept it private. She said she began “finally” pushing herself to stay active about three years ago, focusing on taking care of her body rather than fighting her condition.

“I didn’t start working out to chase a certain body. I started because I wanted to feel strong, healthy, and good in my own skin,” Gabbi shared. 

“Yes, mabilis din akong tumaba. Minsan mataba ako sa TV, oo nakikita ko kahit todo workout na ko. Minsan naman okay ako if hindi bloated lol. But yes, there are a lot of days when I feel bloated, days with a moon face, the “PCOS belly,” and everything else that comes with it,” she continued. 

Gabbi said she has learned to accept that as long as she is strong and healthy, she is okay with it.

“Being ‘sexy’ the way society defines it is honestly the least of my priorities. This journey taught me body positivity in the truest sense. To be kinder to my body, to listen to it, and to appreciate everything it allows me to do. Not perfect. Just better. Still learning. Still showing up,” she said. 

Gabbi reminded her fellow PCOS warriors to be kinder to themselves and to remember that they are not alone.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women that causes irregular periods, elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, and can lead to ovarian cysts, which may influence weight gain, acne, and infertility. The lifelong condition is manageable through lifestyle changes, medication, and fertility treatments for those who wish to conceive.

According to the World Health Organization, PCOS affects an estimated 6 to 13% of women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old), with up to 70% remaining undiagnosed worldwide.

In the Philippines, around 4.5 million women are living with PCOS, according to the UK Research Innovation. 

RELATED: Bela Padilla launches makeup brand safe for fellow PCOS warriors