Nutritional Status and Dietary Consumption Trends in Women with PCOS: Association with Obesity

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction. This study assessed nutritional status and dietary consumption patterns in women with PCOS and their association with obesity indicators.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 119 women with PCOS aged 18-40 years at Government Medical College, Saharanpur. Anthropometric measurements included BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage. Dietary intake was assessed using multiple 24-hour dietary recalls. Nutritional analysis included energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients.

Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 56.3% (41.2% overweight, 15.1% obese). High WHR risk was observed in 37.8% of participants. Mean energy intake was 1,942.53 ± 395.57 kcal/day, showing progressive increase across BMI categories (underweight: 1,558 kcal vs. obese: 2,208 kcal). Protein intake was 52.38 ± 15.28 g/day and fat intake was 59.64 ± 15.96 g/day. Micronutrient inadequacies were evident, particularly calcium (486.14 ± 173.23 mg/day vs. 1000 mg recommended).

Conclusions: Women with PCOS demonstrated high obesity prevalence with clear associations between dietary energy intake and BMI categories. Concerning micronutrient inadequacies, particularly calcium deficiency, coupled with low supplement usage represent significant treatment gaps. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive nutritional interventions addressing both energy balance and micronutrient optimization in PCOS management.