The contribution of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour to body mass index in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

ObjectiveThe contribution of lifestyle factors to increased body mass index (BMI) in PCOS is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between PCOS status, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour with BMI.Design7466 participants born from 1971-76 in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health population-based observational study provided data on PCOS diagnosis in 2009 (survey 5) (n=409 PCOS, n=7057 non-PCOS).Materials and MethodsOutcome measures were self-reported BMI and demographic variables, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour as independent predictors of BMI.ResultsBMI was higher in PCOS compared to non-PCOS women (29.3±7.5 versus 25.6±5.8 kg/m2, p<0.001). Women with PCOS reported elevated diet quality and micronutrient intake and lower saturated fat and glycaemic index intake but increased energy intake, increased sitting time and no differences in total physical activity compared to non-PCOS women. PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity were independently associated with BMI.ConclusionPCOS is independently associated with elevated BMI. Women with PCOS report a better dietary intake but increased energy intake and sedentary behaviour. Greater effort needs to be directed to lifestyle interventions in PCOS focused on reducing energy intake and sedentary time. ObjectiveThe contribution of lifestyle factors to increased body mass index (BMI) in PCOS is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between PCOS status, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour with BMI. The contribution of lifestyle factors to increased body mass index (BMI) in PCOS is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between PCOS status, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour with BMI. Design7466 participants born from 1971-76 in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health population-based observational study provided data on PCOS diagnosis in 2009 (survey 5) (n=409 PCOS, n=7057 non-PCOS). 7466 participants born from 1971-76 in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health population-based observational study provided data on PCOS diagnosis in 2009 (survey 5) (n=409 PCOS, n=7057 non-PCOS). Materials and MethodsOutcome measures were self-reported BMI and demographic variables, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour as independent predictors of BMI. Outcome measures were self-reported BMI and demographic variables, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour as independent predictors of BMI. ResultsBMI was higher in PCOS compared to non-PCOS women (29.3±7.5 versus 25.6±5.8 kg/m2, p<0.001). Women with PCOS reported elevated diet quality and micronutrient intake and lower saturated fat and glycaemic index intake but increased energy intake, increased sitting time and no differences in total physical activity compared to non-PCOS women. PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity were independently associated with BMI. BMI was higher in PCOS compared to non-PCOS women (29.3±7.5 versus 25.6±5.8 kg/m2, p<0.001). Women with PCOS reported elevated diet quality and micronutrient intake and lower saturated fat and glycaemic index intake but increased energy intake, increased sitting time and no differences in total physical activity compared to non-PCOS women. PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity were independently associated with BMI. ConclusionPCOS is independently associated with elevated BMI. Women with PCOS report a better dietary intake but increased energy intake and sedentary behaviour. Greater effort needs to be directed to lifestyle interventions in PCOS focused on reducing energy intake and sedentary time. PCOS is independently associated with elevated BMI. Women with PCOS report a better dietary intake but increased energy intake and sedentary behaviour. Greater effort needs to be directed to lifestyle interventions in PCOS focused on reducing energy intake and sedentary time.