The relationship between body composition and clinical, hormonal, and metabolic disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction and Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex endocrinopathy commonly observed in women of reproductive age, associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. The relationship between body composition and metabolic or hormonal parameters in women with PCOS has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition and clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters in obese and non-obese PCOS patients compared to age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. Materials and Methods: The study included 32 obese and 32 non-obese PCOS patients aged 18 years and older, who were consecutively admitted to the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases outpatient clinic of Manisa Celal Bayar University starting in May 2023. Obesity was classified using BMI values, with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² considered obese and BMI ≤ 29.9 kg/m² classified as non-obese. The diagnosis of PCOS was based on the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. The control group consisted of 32 obese and 32 non-obese healthy women matched for age and BMI with the patient group. Anthropometric measurements of all participants were recorded, and body composition was assessed using a TANITA RD-545 bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Blood test results were retrieved from clinic records, and hormonal analyses for the control group were performed under the scope of BAP. Findings: No significant differences were found in body composition parameters, including fat mass, body fat percentage, and F/L ratio, between the patient and control groups. Similarly, no significant differences in body composition parameters were observed when comparing obese PCOS with obese controls and non-obese PCOS with non-obese controls. However, central obesity (WHR > 0.80) was significantly more common in the PCOS group. Compared to controls, glucose and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group. In the obese subgroup, glucose, HbA1c, and triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in the patient group compared to controls. Additionally, when categorized based on HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5, insulin resistance was significantly more prevalent in the PCOS group compared to controls. In the PCOS group, negative correlations were observed between BMI, waist circumference, WHR, F/L ratio, fat percentage, LAP, and SHBG levels, while FAİ showed a positive correlation. Conclusion: Although no significant differences were found in body composition characteristics between PCOS patients and controls, central obesity was more prevalent in the PCOS group. To comprehensively evaluate the relationship between body composition and metabolic disorders, further studies are needed using methods that assess fat distribution alongside body composition, involving larger patient populations and multi-center designs, to achieve clearer results. Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Body Composition, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Fat Percentage