Nutritional and Metabolic Characteristics of Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Case-Control Study

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Published Nov 9, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i9.5991
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Vol. 103 No. 9 (2025): Tunis Med sept 2025

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Kamilia Ounaissa
Department of Nutritional Diseases D, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
Sana Khamassi
Department of Nutritional Diseases D, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
Taieb Ach
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Farhat Hached Hospital, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia
Ramla Mizouri
Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007,Tunis, Tunisia
Amel Gamoudi
Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007,Tunis, Tunisia
Awatef Kacem
Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007,Tunis, Tunisia
Faten Mahjoub
Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007,Tunis, Tunisia
Haifa Abdesselem
Department of Nutritional Diseases D, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
Emna Bornaz
Department of Nutritional Diseases D, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
Yosra Hasni
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Farhat Hached Hospital, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia
Henda Jamoussi
Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007,Tunis, Tunisia
Chiraz Amrouche
Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, 1007,Tunis, Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of menstrual disorders, infertility, and hyperandrogenism, often associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess the metabolic and nutritional characteristics of overweight women with PCOS.


Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective case-control study that included 61 overweight women, divided into two groups: 31 women with PCOS and 30 controls without PCOS. Data were gathered through review of the patients' medical records.


Results: High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome were significantly more frequent in the PCOS group compared to the control group (p<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.002; and p=<00001, respectively). Eating disorders were more frequently observed in women with PCOS, with a significantly higher occurrence of binge eating behaviors in these patients compared to the control group (p=0.009). The intake of saturated fatty acids was higher in women with PCOS (p=0.01). Regarding micronutrients, intakes of vitamin C and vitamin B1 were significantly lower in PCOS patients (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively). However, significantly more prevalent nutrient deficiencies in omega-6 fatty acids (p=0.001), vitamin C (p=0.002), vitamin B1 (p=0.03), vitamin B3 (p=0.003), vitamin B6 (p=0.03), and iron (p=0.02) were noted in the PCOS group.


Conclusions: Women with PCOS exhibit a higher occurrence of cardio-metabolic risk factors and multiple nutritional deficiencies. Early and personalized management is crucial to improve their long-term health outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Overweight, Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome Nutritional Intake, Eating Behavior

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