Mediterranean diet adherence and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder frequently accompanied by metabolic disturbances and low-grade inflammation. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with improved cardiometabolic health; however, evidence in women with PCOS remains limited and inconsistent.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to assess adherence to the MD and examine its relationship with biochemical and anthropometric parameters in women with PCOS. Data from 420 women aged 18-50 years who received medical nutrition therapy between December 2023 and June 2024 were analyzed. Adherence to the MD was evaluated using the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers, including lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values, HbA1c, insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP), were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

The mean MEDAS score was 6.8 ± 2.3, indicating generally low adherence. MEDAS scores showed weak negative correlations with body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, CRP, and 1-hour OGTT, and weak positive correlations with HDL-C, HbA1c, fasting glucose, 2-hour OGTT, and insulin (p < 0.05). CRP levels were moderately positively correlated with BMI and body fat percentage (r = 0.501 and r = 0.522, respectively; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low adherence to the Mediterranean diet was common among women with PCOS. Although several statistically significant associations were observed between MEDAS scores and metabolic parameters, these relationships were generally weak. Larger prospective studies are needed to clarify the potential role of the Mediterranean diet in modulating inflammation and metabolic health in PCOS.