The survey of central obesity and BMI associated with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Adipose tissue distribution is effective in metabolic complications resulting from obesity. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and android obesity based on various phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 14–18 year old high-school female students in Shiraz in 2009. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 14–18 years old high-school girl in Shiraz in 2009. 3190-Subject sample size was determined. After obtaining written informed consents, demographic information questionnaire was completed and the participants were examined regarding hirsutism, acne, alopecia, and menstrual disorders. Besides, the criteria proposed by Adams et al. were employed to diagnose PCOS in sonography. Android obesity and BMI were evaluated. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS software (v. 11.5) and analyzed. Results: The participants’ mean weight, mean height, and mean waist circumference were 54.14 ± 9.99 kg, 160.20 ± 5.76 cm, and 65.24 ± 7.34 cm, respectively. In addition, 616 participants (20.5%) were underweight, 234 (9.5%) were overweight, and 110 (3.5%) were obese. Also, 15 participants (0.5%) had android obesity. The results of independent t-test showed no significant difference among various phenotypes of PCOS regarding mean android obesity and BMI (P > 0.05). Overall, 16.6% of the study participants (514 subjects) suffered from menstrual disorders and oligomenorrhea. Also, 99 participants (3.1%) had BMI ⩾ 26. Conclusion: The results revealed no significant relationship between female adolescents’ obesity and various phenotypes of PCOS. However, adolescents should be informed about the long-term hyperandrogenic outcomes which are accompanied by insulin secretion and endanger their health after the age of 40 years.

Keywords

• Android obesity
• BMI
• Phenotypes
• PCOS
• Teenagers