Body composition and fat mass/muscle mass ratio in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome according to phenotype

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and heterogeneous endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age worldwide. Evidence indicates that, women with PCOS tend to have a central fat distribution, associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction. Therefore, fat quantification and distribution are relevant in this condition. General objective: To evaluate body composition findings and the fat mass/muscle mass ratio in women with PCOS according to the different Rotterdam phenotypes who attended the endocrinology service of the CMDLT between May and September 2025. Materials and methods: An observational, analytical cohort study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. It included 51 patients diagnosed with PCOS, according to inclusion criteria, with determination of body composition and calculation of the fat mass/muscle mass ratio. Results: Phenotype D showed lower average weight, BMI, percentage of body fat, and body fat mass compared to other phenotypes, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. The fat mass/muscle mass ratio showed a non-significant p-value (0.674), with a trend toward less fat accumulation in phenotype D. Conclusion: Although no statistically significant differences were found between phenotypes, a trend toward less fat mass accumulation was observed in phenotype D, which may have relevant clinical and metabolic implications.