Survey study, 2025
Is PMS linked to eating disorders and body fat?
Women with PMS had slightly higher body fat (38.1% vs 37.1%) and more smoking than women without PMS. However, high BMI, not PMS itself, was the main risk factor for eating disorders.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 252 women aged 18 to 49 attending a nutrition clinic in Istanbul. Researchers measured PMS, eating attitudes, body composition, and dietary intake using standard methods.
What they found
PMS was detected in 57.9% of participants. The PMS group had significantly higher body fat percentage (38.1% vs 37.1%, p = 0.039) and higher smoking rates (28.8% vs 16.0%, p = 0.018). High BMI, rather than PMS status, was the primary independent risk factor for eating disorders. Nutrient intake did not differ between groups.
What it means for you
Women with PMS tend to have slightly more body fat and smoke more, but eating disorder risk is driven by weight, not PMS itself. The study was in one clinic in Turkey, so results may not apply to all women. No causal relationships can be determined from this type of study.
57.9%
Had PMS
38.1% vs 37.1%
Body fat in PMS group vs no PMS
28.8% vs 16.0%
Smoking in PMS group vs no PMS
About the study
- Original title
- The Interplay Between Premenstrual Syndrome, Eating Disorder Risk, and Adiposity Indicators: A Cross Sectional Study on Women
- Authors
- OZKAN E, KOCATEPE N, AVUK HS
- Journal
- Research Square
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 252
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8246542/v1
Topics
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