Pattern of Body Fat Distribution in Patients with PCOS Using DEXA-Based Indices
Studysummary In this study, the researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome exhibit a central fat distribution pattern despite not having increased overall fat compared to controls, suggesting this method's potential utility in diagnosing and monitoring PCOS.
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The study assessed body fat distribution in PCOS patients using DEXA scans, involving 86 PCOS cases and 90 healthy controls. Significant differences were found in trunk fat percentage, android fat percentage, total fat percentage, fat mass index, android/gynoid ratio, and trunk/limb fat mass ratio, all with p-values < 0.001. PCOS patients exhibited higher trunk fat mass (58.5% vs. 49.3% of total fat mass; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed significant relationships between trunk fat mass and other fat indices. The study concludes that DEXA-based fat indices are useful predictors of PCOS and should be considered in their diagnostic workup and follow-up.
