Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Disordered Eating in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

  • General Gynecology: Original Article
  • Published:
Reproductive Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women. Weight issues were commonly observed and found to be associated with comorbidities. This study aimed to compare Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores and Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) scores in patients with and without PCOS and analyze the factors associated with disordered eating. Women aged 18–25 years with and without PCOS (n = 110 for each group) were included in the study. All patients completed the EDE-Q, NEQ, Beck Anxiety, and Beck Depression inventories. Disordered eating was found more frequently in women with PCOS than in controls (25.5% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in NEQ scores between the two groups. Anxiety and depression scores were higher in patients with PCOS than in controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). PCOS diagnosis (OR: 7.4, CI: [1.63–33.7]; p = 0.010) and high BMI (OR: 1.24, CI: [1.10–1.39]; p < 0.001) were found to be independent factors for disordered eating (EDE-Q global score ≥ 4). Disordered eating was more common in young women with PCOS compared to the control group. PCOS diagnosis and having a high BMI (> 25) were found to be independent factors related to disordered eating in young women with PCOS. Young women with a high BMI or PCOS appear to be at a higher risk of disordered eating than women of the same age. Scanning this group may help clinicians in identifying women at high risk for eating disorders and preventing comorbidities associated with them.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Data can be shared under reasonable request.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

References

  1. Bozdag G, Mumusoglu S, Zengin D, Karabulut E, Yildiz BO. The prevalence and phenotypic features of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2016;31(12):2841–55. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dew218.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Belenkaia LV, Lazareva LM, Walker W, Lizneva DV, Suturina LV. Criteria, phenotypes and prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome. Minerva Ginecol. 2019;71(3):211–23. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0026-4784.19.04404-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Jeanes YM, Reeves S. Metabolic consequences of obesity and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: diagnostic and methodological challenges. Nutr Res Rev. 2017;30(1):97–105. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422416000287.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Tay CT, Teede HJ, Hill B, Loxton D, Joham AE. Increased prevalence of eating disorders, low self-esteem, and psychological distress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a community-based cohort study. Fertil Steril. 2019;112(2):353–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.03.027.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Treasure J, Duarte TA, Schmidt U. Eating disorders. Lancet. 2020;395(10227):899–911. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30059-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Mitchison D, Hay PJ. The epidemiology of eating disorders: genetic, environmental, and societal factors. Clin Epidemiol. 2014;6:89–97. https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S40841.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Keski-Rahkonen A, Mustelin L. Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, consequences, and risk factors. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016;29:340–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Fichter MM, Quadflieg N. Mortality in eating disorders- results of a large prospective clinical longitudinal study. Int J Eat Disord. 2016;49(4):391–401. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22501.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Pirotta S, Barillaro M, Brennan L, et al. Disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders in women in australia with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Med. 2019;8(10):1682. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8101682.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Başar Gokcen B, Akdevelioglu Y, Canan S, Bozkurt N. Increased risk of eating disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2020;36(9):764–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2020.1744554.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Teede HJ, Misso ML, Costello MF, Dokras A, Laven J, Moran L, et al. International PCOS Network. Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2018;33(9):1602–18. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dey256.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Dokras A, Stener-Victorin E, Yildiz BO, Li R, Ottey S, Shah D, et al. Androgen Excess- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society: position statement on depression, anxiety, quality of life, and eating disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2018;109(5):888–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.038.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Cooney LG, Lee I, Sammel MD, Dokras A. High prevalence of moderate and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(5):1075–91. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dex044.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Greenwood EA, Pasch LA, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Obesity and depression are risk factors for future eating disorder-related attitudes and behaviors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2020;113(5):1039–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.016.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Ilyas A, Hubel C, Stahl D, Stadler M, Ismail K, Breen G, et al. The metabolic underpinning of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of insulin sensitivity. Molec Cell Endocrinol. 2019;497:10307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2018.10.005.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Striegel-Moore RH, Dohm FA, Hook JM, Schreiber GB, Crawford PB, Daniels SR. Night eating syndrome in young adult women: prevalence and correlates. Int J Eat Disord. 2005;37(3):200–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20128.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  18. Inoue Y. Sleep-related eating disorder and its associated conditions. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2015;69(6):309–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12263.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Guentcheva I, Dugas EN, Hanusaik N, Drapeau V, Sylvestre MP, O’Loughlin J. Depression symptoms and night eating in young adulthood. Eat Weight Disord. 2020;25(6):1593–600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-019-00796-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Lee I, Cooney LG, Saini S, Smit ME, Sammel MD, Allison KC, et al. Increased risk of disordered eating in polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2017;107(3):796–802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.12.014.

  21. Baranauskas M, Kupčiūnaitė I, Stukas R. Potential triggers for risking the development of eating disorders in non-clinical higher-education students in emerging adulthood. Nutrients. 2022;14(11):2293. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112293.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Song DK, Hong YS, Sung YA, Lee H. Insulin resistance according to β-cell function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and normal glucose tolerance. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(5):e0178120. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178120.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, Naylor BA, Treacher DF, Turner RC. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia. 1985;28(7):412–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00280883.

  24. Luce KH, Crowther JH. The reliability of the Eating Disorder Examination-Self-Report Questionnaire Version (EDE-Q). Int J Eat Disord. 1999;25(3):349–51.

  25. Yucel B, Polat A, Ikiz T, Dusgor BP, Yavuz AE, Sertel BO. The Turkish version of the eating disorder examination questionnaire: reliability and validity in adolescents. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2011;19(6):509–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Mond JM, Hay PJ, Rodgers B, Owen C. Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q): norms for young adult women. Behav Res Ther. 2006;44(1):53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2004.12.003.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Allison KC, Lundgren JD, O’Reardon JP, Martino NS, Sarwer DB, Wadden TA, et al. The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ): psychometric properties of a measure of severity of the night eating syndrome. Eat Behav. 2008;9(1):62–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2007.03.007.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Atasoy N, Saraçli O, Konuk N, Ankaralı H, Güriz SO, Akdemir A, et al. The reliability and validity of Turkish version of the Night Eating Questionnaire in psychiatric outpatient population. Anadolu Psikiyatr Derg. 2014;15(3)238–247.

  29. Beck AT, Ward CH, Mendelson M, Mock J, Erbaugh J. An inventory for measuring depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1961;4:561–71.

  30. Hisli N. Beck Depresyon Envanterinin üniversite ögrencilerinde, geçerliligi ve güvenilirligi. Psikoloji Dergisi. 1989;7:3–13.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Beck AT, Epstein N, Brown G, Steer RA. An inventory for measuring clinical anxiety: psychometric properties. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1988;56:893–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Ulusoy M, Sahin N, Erkman H. Turkish version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory: psychometric properties. J Cogn Psychother. 1998;12:28–35.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Larsson I, Hulthén L, Landén M, Pålsson E, Janson P, Stener-Victorin E. Dietary intake, resting energy expenditure, and eating behavior in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Nutr. 2016;35(1):213–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2015.02.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Eleftheriadou M, Stefanidis K, Lykeridou K, Iliadis I, Michala L. Dietary habits in adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol: Off J Int Soc Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(4):269–71. https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2014.984677.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Hirschberg AL. Sex hormones, appetite and eating behaviour in women. Maturitas. 2012;71(3):248–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.12.016.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Karacan E, Caglar GS, Gürsoy AY, Yilmaz MB. Body satisfaction and eating attitudes among girls and young women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2014;27(2):72–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2013.08.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. de Zwaan M, Müller A, Allison KC, Brähler E, Hilbert A. Prevalence and correlates of night eating in the German general population. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(5):e97667.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Lin H, Liu M, Zhong D, Ng EHY, Liu J, Li J, et al. The prevalence and factors associated with anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:709674. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.709674.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. van Reekum EA, Woo JJ, Petropoulos JA, Samaan Z, Mbuagbaw L. Association between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychiatric symptoms in people with preexisting obsessive-compulsive, eating, anxiety, and mood disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of before-after studies. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13582.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all women who graciously volunteered to participate in this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Basaksehir Cam Ve Sakura City Hospital, Olimpiyat Blv Rd, Basaksehir, Istanbul, Turkey

    Semra Yüksel

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Fatma Ketenci Gencer

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Basaksehir Cam Ve Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Furkan Bahadir Alptekin

  4. Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Faculty Of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

    Nazife Gamze Usta Saglam

Authors
  1. Semra Yüksel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fatma Ketenci Gencer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Furkan Bahadir Alptekin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nazife Gamze Usta Saglam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

SY conceptualized and suggested a plan for the study. The data collection and input were conducted by SY and FKG. The data analysis and manuscript writing were performed by SY. NGUS and FBA edited and contributed to the methods section. The manuscript was edited and finalized by SY and FBA.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Semra Yüksel.

Ethics declarations

Ethics Approval

It was approved by the institutional review board and ethics committee (approval number 164/11.12.2019).

Consent to Participate

All the participants signed a written informed consent to participate to the study.

Consent for Publication

All the participants signed a written informed consent for publication regarding their data.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yüksel, S., Gencer, F.K., Alptekin, F.B. et al. Disordered Eating in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod. Sci. 31, 1303–1310 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-023-01435-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-023-01435-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation