Abstract
BackgroundWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are generally considered to be central obese and at higher risks of metabolic disturbances. Imaging methods are the golden standards for detecting body fat distribution. However, evidence based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) is conflicting. This study systematically reviewed the imaging-based body fat distribution in PCOS patients and quantitatively evaluated the difference in body fat distribution between PCOS and BMI-matched controls.MethodsPUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched up to December 2019, and studies quantitatively compared body fat distribution by MRI, CT, ultrasound, or X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between women with PCOS and their BMI-matched controls were included. Two researchers independently reviewed the articles, extract data and evaluated the study quality based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).Results47 studies were included in systematic review and 39 were eligible for meta-analysis. Compared to BMI-matched controls, higher accumulations of visceral fat (SMD 0.41; 95%CI: 0.23-0.59), abdominal subcutaneous fat (SMD 0.31; 95%CI: 0.20-0.41), total body fat (SMD 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06-0.32), trunk fat (SMD 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17-0.77), and android fat (SMD 0. 36; 95% CI: 0.06-0.66) were identified in PCOS group. However, no significant difference was identified in all the above outcomes in subgroups only including studies using golden standards MRI or CT to evaluate body fat distribution (SMD 0.19; 95%CI: -0.04-0.41 for visceral fat; SMD 0.15; 95%CI: -0.01-0.31 for abdominal subcutaneous fat). Moreover, meta-regression and subgroup analyses showed that young and non-obese patients were more likely to accumulate android fat.ConclusionsPCOS women seem to have abdominal fat accumulation when compared with BMI-matched controls. However, MRI- and CT- assessed fat distribution was similar between PCOS and controls, suggesting central obesity may be independent of PCOS. These findings will help us reappraise the relationship between PCOS and abnormal fat deposition and develop specialized lifestyle interventions for PCOS patients.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42018102983.
Highlights
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease associated with obesity and multiple metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [1, 2]
We developed the “full text” search strategy based on the combination of the following keywords: AND AND
When imaging method was stratified as the gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), there was no difference in fat distribution between women with PCOS and their BMI matched controls
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease associated with obesity and multiple metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [1, 2]. There are approximately 40–50% of PCOS patients with BMI in the normal range [5]. These lean PCOS patients have increased risks of metabolic dysfunctions and merely losing weight is not a suitable intervention for this population [6]. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are generally considered to be central obese and at higher risks of metabolic disturbances. This study systematically reviewed the imaging-based body fat distribution in PCOS patients and quantitatively evaluated the difference in body fat distribution between PCOS and BMI-matched controls
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
