Prevalence of Dyslipidemia among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Body Mass Index

Objective: The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence of dyslipidemia among polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women with different BMIs.

Study design: We conducted a cross-sectional study whereby one hundred and fifteen women diagnosed with PCOS were recruited from a fertility clinic in a 6-month period. All participants had their weight and height measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated.

Thereafter, they were divided into two groups: normal BMI (BMI ≤25 kg/m2) and high BMI (BMI >25 kg/m2). Fasting blood samples were obtained and total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, glucose, and insulin levels were measured in both groups. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) equation. Differences in these variables were assessed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found between both groups of women in terms of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels. Insulin resistance was significantly more prevalent in the high BMI (78.3%) than in the normal BMI group (59.1%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Dyslipidemia in women with PCOS is not related to their BMI. Early detection and treatment of dyslipidemia in this group of women will protect them from cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: BMI; Dyslipidemia; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Cardiovascular risk; Atherosclerosis; Dubai