The relationship of dietary indices with anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder common in women of reproductive age that affects metabolic health. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary indices and anthropometric and biochemical findings in women with PCOS. 227 women with PCOS aged 20-45 participated in the study. Data were collected using general information, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical findings. A 24-hour retrospective food intake record, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), ORTO-R, CES-Depression Scale, Short Form 36 (SF 36) Quality of Life Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), were used. DASH and HEI-2015 scores were calculated from the food intake records. The mean BMI was 27.8±6.0 kg/m². Energy and fiber intake was below the recommended level and total and saturated fat intake was high. Carbohydrate, total fat, and saturated fat intake were significantly higher in obese individuals (p<0.001), while the proportion of energy coming from protein was lower (p<0.05). MEDAS score was negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, LAP, AVI, and BRI (p<0.001). MEDAS and DASH scores were negatively correlated with glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides (p<0.05). DASH score was negatively correlated with BAI, LAP, and BRI, and HEI-2015 score was negatively correlated with BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR. SF-36 quality of life subscales were higher in individuals with normal body weight (p<0.05). As MEDAS score increased, SF-36 quality of life scores increased, and CES-D depression scores decreased (p<0.001). The ORTO-R score was negatively correlated with BMI (p<0.001). These findings demonstrate the multifaceted relationships among diet quality, anthropometric measurements, metabolic indicators, and psychosocial status in women with PCOS, and suggest that improving diet quality is important in disease management.