APPETITIVE TRAITS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH OBESITY USING GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS: INSIGHTS FROM A PCOS-ENRICHED SAMPLE.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with obesity and disrupted eating behaviors, which can reduce quality of life (QOL). While glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used for weight management and show promise in PCOS care, their impact on patient-reported outcomes like QOL is less explored. This study aims to examin how body mass index (BMI), eating traits, and PCOS status relate to QOL in women using GLP-1RAs.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 204 women in Iraq who had been using GLP-1RAs completed the Arabic versions of the Quality of Life, Obesity, and Dietetics (QOLOD) scale and the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ). Statistical analyses included nonparametric tests, Spearman correlations, linear and logistic regression models, and cluster analysis of eating behavior profiles.

RESULTS

Higher BMI, emotional overeating, hunger, and food responsiveness were each independently linked to poorer QOL. Women with PCOS had higher BMI and more impaired QOLOD scores compared to those without PCOS. However, in adjusted models, QOLOD scores-not BMI-were independently associated with PCOS. Cluster analysis identified a "food-approach" group with significantly worse QOL than the "food-avoidant" group. Type of GLP-1RA was not associated with differences in QOL or eating traits.

CONCLUSION

In women using GLP-1RAs, QOL is shaped not just by BMI but also by underlying appetitive traits such as hunger and emotional overeating. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing behavioral as well as physiological factors in PCOS care. Understanding eating behavior profiles may improve treatment personalization and outcomes.