Disordered eating and night eating behavior in young women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Purpose The most prevalent endocrine abnormality in women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is accompanied with symptoms that are related to metabolism, reproduction, and mental health. Eating disorders are well known as a contributing factor to obesity in women. However, there is limited data regarding eating disorders in women with PCOS. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of disordered eating in young women with PCOS and to analyze the possible influencing factors associated with disordered eating. Methods The women aged 18–25 years with and without PCOS (n:110 for each group) were included in this study. Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), Beck anxiety, and Beck depression inventories were performed by all patients. Results Disordered eating and night eating syndrome (NES) were found more frequently in women with PCOS than in controls (25.5% vs 2.7%; 17.3% vs 2.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). Anxiety and depression scores were also higher in patients with PCOS than in the control group (p = 0.002, p = 0.001; respectively). PCOS diagnosis (OR:7.1, CI:1.49–33.4, p = 0.014), high Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (OR:0.68, CI:0.47–0.98, p = 0.04), and being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) (OR:1.2, CI:1.09–1.38, p = 0.001) were found as independent factors for disordered eating according to EDE-Q global score (≥ 4). Conclusion Disordered eating and NES were more common in young women with PCOS than in controls. PCOS diagnosis, high HOMA-IR, and being overweight may be independent factors associated with disordered eating in women. Screening for disordered eating and night eating syndrome, especially in young women with PCOS may be recommended to help with weight management.