Influence of BMI on Mental Well-being and Physical Activity in PCOS: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim and background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, diagnosed using the modified 2003 Rotterdam criteria.Previous studies have shown that physically inactive PCOS women tend to have lower scores on mental wellness measures compared to physically active individuals, suggesting a connection between physical activity and mental well-being in PCOS.However, the influence of body mass index (BMI) and body composition on exercise routines and mental well-being in PCOS individuals remains unclear.The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of BMI on mental well-being and physical activity in individuals with PCOS.The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors, body composition, and BMI in this population.Materials and methodology: A total of 72 individuals diagnosed with PCOS were included in the study based on the modified Rotterdam criteria.Participants were divided into two groups based on BMI: Normal BMI and overweight BMI.Body composition measurements were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis.Waist circumference measurements were also taken.Participants completed questionnaires assessing mental well-being using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and lifestyle using the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ).Results: Analysis revealed significant differences in physical activity levels between individuals with normal and overweight BMI (p = 0.025).However, there were no significant differences in mental well-being (p = 0.226) or sedentary behavior (p = 0.097) between the two BMI groups.Regarding body composition, significant differences were found in body fat percentage (p = 0.000), skeletal muscle percentage (p = 0.001), and visceral fat percentage (p = 0.000) between the normal and overweight BMI groups. Conclusion:The study findings suggest that BMI may influence physical activity and body composition in individuals with PCOS.However, BMI does not appear to significantly impact mental well-being or sedentary behavior in this population.These results underscore the importance of considering BMI and body composition in PCOS management strategies aimed at improving physical activity levels and overall health outcomes.Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay between BMI, body composition, and mental well-being in PCOS individuals.Clinical significance: This study suggests that even if there are no appreciable differences in certain factors after stratification of BMI between the normal and overweight groups, intervention is still required concerning physical exercise, and developing a healthy lifestyle that will control all PCOS symptoms.Since those who are overweight have a much increased risk of becoming obese at a later stage, which may exacerbate all their symptoms; therefore, preventive measures are supposed to be taken.Similar types of management can be provided for both normal and overweight individuals with PCOS, and early screening is necessary.