---
title: Does body composition affect premenstrual syndrome symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes. Higher body weight and more central fat around the belly and hips are linked to more PMS symptoms, more severe symptoms, and higher risk of depression an
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/relationship-of-body-composition-and-pms-symptoms-a-systematic-review-2023/
---

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- Does body composition affect premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Systematic review, 2023

# Does body composition affect premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Yes. Higher body weight and more central fat around the belly and hips are linked to more PMS symptoms, more severe symptoms, and higher risk of depression and anxiety in women with PMS.

 Strong study design

Women from 7 global studies with varying ages and settings

## What they did

Systematic review of 7 studies examining the relationship between body composition measurements (body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio) and PMS symptoms.

## What they found

Globally, 47.8% of women have PMS, with the highest prevalence at 98% in Iran. PMS, increased appetite, and weight gain are more common in women with BMI greater than 25 kg/m². The findings show a direct relationship between PMS symptoms and waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio. Women with higher BMI and body fat mass and PMS have higher risk of depression and anxiety.

## What it means for you

Weight management and better eating habits may help reduce PMS symptoms, particularly by reducing central fat. The 98% prevalence reported in Iran suggests differences in how PMS is measured or differences in populations between studies, which limits certainty. Only 7 studies were reviewed.

47.8%

Global prevalence of PMS

98%

Prevalence in Iran

25 kg/m²

BMI threshold for more PMS

## About the study

Original title Relationship of Body Composition and PMS Symptoms: A Systematic Review Authors Samaneh Farpour, Mehdi Moradinazar, Mehnoosh Samadi Journal Current Women s Health Reviews Year 2023 Study design Systematic review What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.2174/0115734048245078231011112638](https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734048245078231011112638)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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