Physical activity and anthropometry of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Questions: Do women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) participate in the same volume of physical activity when compared with healthy and age-matched women? Is there a relationship between self-reported physical activity level and body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS? Design: Prospective quantitative self-reported survey. Participants: Women with diagnosed PCOS (n = 159; age: 32 ± 6 yr; BMI: 32 ± 10 kg/m2) and healthy controls (n = 77; age: 33 ± 11 yr; BMI: 24 ± 5 kg/m2) volunteered to participate. Outcome measures: Physical activity and anthropometric data was self-reported using a health-professional designed physical activity questionnaire. BMI and volume of physical activity was subsequently calculated for each participant. Results: Women with PCOS reported a 26% increased body mass (p < 0.0001), resulting in significantly elevated BMI (p < 0.0001). Physical activity levels were not different between groups: 47% of women with PCOS (vs. 52% of controls) reported performing ≥ 150 min/wk of physical activity, and 18% of women with PCOS (vs. 17% of controls) reported performing no physical activity. A significant and negative correlation was observed between physical activity volume and BMI (rho = -0.174, p = 0.028) only for women with PCOS. Conclusion: These novels findings suggest that while significant differences in BMI were found, women with PCOS are as active as healthy women. The negative relationship between physical activity and BMI in women with PCOS emphasises the importance of regular exercise in this special group. Key Practice Points: • Body mass issues in women with PCOS are linked to physical activity levels • Despite women with PCOS reporting similar physical activity participation rates to healthy controls, BMI was significantly increased • Holistic interventions – including individualised exercise prescription – is important in PCOS