Difference in body weight between American and Italian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: influence of the diet

Authors: Enrico Carmina¹; Richard S. Legro²; Kelly Stamets²; Jennifer Lowell²; Rogerio A. Lobo³

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 18, Number 11, November 2003 , pp. 2289-2293(5)

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to determine differences in body mass in two populations of women (USA and Italy) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to assess the effect of diet on body mass and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Pools of women with PCOS from the USA (n = 343) and Italy (n = 301), seen between 1993 and 2001, were available for assessment. From these populations, 20 women who were seen consecutively in 2001 at each site had detailed analyses of diet and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: In the entire group, American women had a significantly higher body mass compared with Italian women (P < 0.01). Also, the 20 women consecutively evaluated in the USA had a significantly higher mean (± SD) body mass index (40.3 ± 1.0 kg/m²) than in Italy (29.7 ± 1.0 kg/m²). US women had worse insulin resistance, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.01) and higher levels of triglycerides (P < 0.01). Dietary analysis in the two groups indicated that the total daily calorific intake was similar (USA 2277 ± 109; Italy 2325 ± 68 Kcal), with no appreciable differences in dietary content of protein, carbohydrate and fat. However, the dietary saturated fat content was significantly higher in US women (31.9 ± 3 versus 18.2 ± 2 g/day, P < 0.01). Saturated fat intake correlated negatively with HDL-C (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among women with PCOS, body mass was significantly higher in US women compared with Italian women. However, total calorie intake and dietary constituents were similar, except for a higher saturated fat in US women. It is hypothesized that diet alone does not explain differences in body mass; genetic and lifestyle factors likely contribute. An increased saturated fat intake may worsen the cardiovascular risk profile.

Keywords: diet/dyslipidaemia/hyperinsulinaemia/obesity/polyc

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deg440

Affiliations: 1: Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy, 2: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA and 3: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA

Publication date: 2003-11-01

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Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Difference in body weight between American and Italian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: influence of the diet

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