Dietary intake and lifestyle behaviour in different phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case-control study

Objective: To compare dietary intake and lifestyle behaviour in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women. Methods: 160 healthy women (partner with male infertility) were recruited to a control group; 168 women with PCOS (diagnosed on ultrasound) were recruited to a case study group for this cross-sectional comparative study. The case group was classified into three phenotypes based on presence or absence of menstrual disorder (M), hyperandrogenism (HA), and polycystic ovary according to sonography (PCO): HA+PCO (n=53), PCO+M (n=57) and M+HA+PCO (n=66). Dietary intake and lifestyle behaviour were measured using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a lifestyle questionnaire (LQ). Results: The mean energy (P<0.001) and fat intake (P<0.001) were greater in PCOS groups compared with the control group. The average energy and fat intake were greater in HA+M+PCO group after age and BMI adjustment compared with other phenotypes (P<0.001). In comparison with the control group, lifestyle scores were lower in the PCOS group in the fields of physical activity, weight and nutrition control after age and BMI adjustment (P<0.001). The average score of lifestyle in the fields of physical activity, weight and nutrition control, and psychological health was lower in the phenotype HA+M+PCO compared with other phenotypes (P<0.001). Conclusions: Limited energy and fat intake is strongly recommended in Iranian women with PCOS especially in phenotype HA+M+PCO. Consultation on improvement of psychological health and the importance of weight and nutrition control, and appropriate physical activity in patients especially in HA+M+PCO is advocated. Keywords: Lifestyle, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diet