Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relation to Body Mass Index in Women: A Systematic Reveiw

Authors

  • Liza Fayyaz University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Osman Ashfaq Gulab Devi Institute of Physiotherapy, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Maham Saleem University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Adden Anis Khan University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Fatima Ali University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i5.1792

Keywords:

Polycystic ovary syndrome, Body mass index, Obesity, Insulin resistance, Prevalence, Metabolic

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in reproductive-age women, typically characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Body mass index (BMI) is a major predictor of both onset and severity of PCOS, particularly due to its effects on insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and hormonal regulation. Obesity is a key modifiable risk factor, though its prevalence among PCOS patients varies across populations due to differing diagnostic and lifestyle factors. Objective: To evaluate the influence of BMI on the prevalence of PCOS and determine whether adiposity correlates with syndrome severity in reproductive-age women. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and SpringerLink (January 2005–March 2025) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Eligible studies included reproductive-age females and reported mean BMI, age, and PCOS prevalence using standard diagnostic criteria (Rotterdam, NIH/NICHD, or AE-PCOS). Two authors independently extracted study and population data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Results: Of 100 screened studies, 15 met the inclusion criteria, representing 26,986 women aged 16–46 years. PCOS prevalence ranged from 2.4% in low-BMI groups to 34.4% in high-BMI groups. A significant positive association between BMI and PCOS prevalence was observed (p=0.01), with high-BMI individuals showing up to threefold greater morbidity. Increased adiposity was consistently linked to insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and fertility disturbances across diagnostic definitions. Conclusion: Elevated BMI is strongly associated with higher prevalence and greater severity of PCOS, supporting obesity as both a risk factor and disease modifier. Standardized diagnostic and BMI classification criteria are needed to improve cross-population comparisons. Weight management should remain a primary target to reduce metabolic and reproductive complications in PCOS.

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Published

2025-05-31

How to Cite

Liza Fayyaz, Osman Ashfaq, Maham Saleem, Adden Anis Khan, & Fatima Ali. (2025). Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relation to Body Mass Index in Women: A Systematic Reveiw. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 5(5), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i5.1792

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 5 – May 2025

Section

Reviews

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Copyright (c) 2025 Liza Fayyaz, Osman Ashfaq, Maham Saleem, Adden Anis Khan, Fatima Ali

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