Novel equation predicts energy requirement for women with PCOS

A novel equation that included an assessment of physical activity successfully predicted energy requirements for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, according to data from a cross-sectional study.

Researchers wrote that the model requires validation from additional studies.

“Overweight and obesity augment the prevalence of PCOS, and increased adiposity is considered a dominant characteristic in 40% to 60% of cases,” Nicholas T. Broskey, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, and colleagues wrote. “Weight loss is prescribed to offset the deleterious consequences of [PCOS], but a successful intervention requires an accurate assessment of energy requirements.”

Broskey and colleagues performed a doubly labeled water study on 28 women with overweight or obesity who had PCOS. The study lasted 14 days, and researchers measured body composition, resting metabolic rate and physical activity.

Mean total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was 2,661 kcal/day, the researchers reported, with the daily energy expenditure as measured by the four most common equations coming within 4% to 6% of the doubly labeled water assessment. Hyperinsulinemia was associated with total daily energy expenditure estimates in all prediction equations (r = 0.45; P = .02), Broskey and colleagues wrote, but was not a significant covariate in a model predicting daily energy expenditure. Hyperandrogenemia was not associated with energy expenditure.

The researchers reported that the following equation, derived from doubly labeled water, could be used to determine the women’s energy requirements: TDEE (kcal/d) = 438 – [1.6*Fat Mass (kg)] + [35.1*Fat-Free Mass (kg)] + [16.2*Age(yrs)], R² = 0.41, P = .005.

“This study proposes for the first time an energy requirement equation unique to PCOS women. Researchers attempting to achieve weight loss could use an equation such as this, or use the other existing equations studied herein, to obtain an estimate of weight maintenance energy requirements to individualize dietary intake targets in weight loss interventions,” the researchers wrote. “As more studies in women with PCOS are completed, results should be compiled to develop and to validate a unique equation for PCOS women that is reliable and robust and to properly evaluate the potential influence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia, which is unique to this condition.” – by Andy Polhamus

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.