Comparative study of physical activity status and food patterns in adolescents with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: an analytical approach

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents causes appearance changes such as hirsutism, alopecia, acne and long-term complications, such as metabolic syndrome and infertility. This study aimed to compare physical activity status and food patterns, as prominent predictive factors, in adolescents with and without PCOS.Methods This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 400 adolescents at health centres affiliated with Golestan University of Medical Sciences. The data collection tools include a demographic questionnaire, a standard adolescents’ Physical Activity Status Questionnaire and a Nutritional Status Questionnaire. SPSS V.20 software was used to analyse the data.Results The mean age of participants was 19.16±3.18. The results of the study showed that height, weight and menstrual status were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05). The calorie intake in affected adolescents was high, and the physical activity status was unfavourable (p<0.05).Conclusion Adolescents with PCOS have been found to have different physical activity levels, nutritional patterns and calorie intake compared to non-affected individuals. This is a critical issue, as high caloric intake and insufficient physical activity can exacerbate the development of PCOS in adolescents.