Pattern of body fat distribution in patients of PCOS using DEXA-based indices

Considering the close link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome considerable research has been devoted to studying the pattern of fat distribution in PCOS.

The study aims to assess the usefulness of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) based regional fat distribution indices as a predictor of the development of PCOS.

This case–control study recruited diagnosed cases of PCOS using Rotterdam Criteria (cases n = 86) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 90). DEXA was performed in both groups for assessment of total and regional body fat distribution after undergoing ultrasonography (USG) and baseline/biochemical evaluation.

The study revealed a significant difference between cases and controls in trunk fat percentage (40.2% ± 9.1% vs 26.5% ± 9.1%; p < 0.001), android fat percentage (42.4% ± 41%vs 27.8% ± 1.51%; p < 0.001), total fat percentage (43.8% ± 8% vs28.5% ± 1.6%; p < 0.001), fat mass/ht² (fat mass index) (8.82 ± 3% vs 4.8 ± 1.7%; p < 0.001), android/gynoid ratio (1.05 ± 0.1 vs 0.7 ± 0.2; p < 0.001), and trunk/limb fat mass ratio (1.06 ± 0.3 vs 0.69 ± 0.3; p 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant relation of trunk fat mass with android % fat, gynoid fat mass, and android-gynoid ratio.

The study demonstrates that there is a central pattern of fat distribution in patients with PCOS while the overall fat might not be increased which is well analyzed by DEXA. Hence, we suggest its use in the initial diagnostic workup and follow-up of PCOS patients for their body fat distribution and content.