Abdominal Fat Quantity and Distribution in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Extent of Its Relation to Insulin Resistance

The study from 2007 with 222 participants investigated the relationship between abdominal fat and insulin resistance in 110 women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and 112 weight-matched controls. It found that PCOS patients had a higher quantity of central abdominal fat compared to controls, particularly in overweight and normoweight individuals, and this was associated with higher insulin levels and reduced insulin sensitivity. However, the study concluded that increased abdominal fat is not the sole determinant of insulin resistance in PCOS, as other factors may also play a role. The findings suggest that while abdominal obesity is common in PCOS, it is not the only factor contributing to the metabolic disturbances observed in the condition.