The Relationship Between Nutritional Patterns and Physical Activity in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that has become an increasing concern for adolescents globally. Objectives: This study aimed to compare nutritional patterns, including macronutrient intake and levels of physical activity, among adolescents with and without PCOS. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 238 adolescents with and without PCOS, conducted between February 2021 and October 2021 in Gorgan, Iran, using a simple random sampling method. The standard Nutrition Questionnaire and the validated Physical Activity Questionnaire (AFPAQ) were the two main tools for data collection. To compare macronutrient intake and physical activity levels, statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, the Student's t-test, chi-square, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The age, education level, and family history of PCOS did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, Body Mass Index (BMI), age at menarche, and menstrual interval and duration were significantly different (P < 0.05). Adolescents with PCOS had a higher BMI (P < 0.001), experienced menarche at a later age (P < 0.09), and had longer intervals between menstrual cycles, showing prolonged amenorrhea (P < 0.001). Affected adolescents had higher intakes of calories, carbohydrates, and fats, while protein consumption and physical activity levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Adolescents with PCOS exhibited higher intakes of calories, carbohydrates, and fats, while their protein consumption and physical activity levels were lower compared to those without the syndrome. Educating adolescents about these dietary and activity levels may be effective in preventing the occurrence of PCOS.