Role of Nutritional Diversity and Lifestyle in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Risk among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder primarily affecting women of reproductive age. Its multifactorial causes include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, particularly diet. In rapidly urbanising regions like the Thane District of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, college students exhibit diverse dietary habits. An increase in the consumption of processed foods, high in sugars and unhealthy fats, may elevate the risk of PCOS in this demographic. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and clinical symptoms of PCOS among female college students in the Thane District, assessing how prevalent dietary choices correlate with the disorder’s incidence. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, the study recruited 350 female college students aged 18 to 25. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire that covered three main areas: socio-demographic information, dietary habits, and the link between clinical symptoms of PCOS and dietary choices. Dietary diversity was assessed using a 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire, and a dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated to evaluate micronutrient adequacy. Participants self-reported common symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and unexplained weight gain, which are associated with PCOS. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-16 to generate descriptive statistics and logistic regression, providing odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the strength and significance of the relationship between dietary patterns and PCOS risk. Results: Of the 350 students surveyed, 22% (n=88) had been diagnosed with PCOS or showed significant clinical symptoms indicating the disorder. DDS was strongly associated with nutritional risk, as participants with low DDS (0–3 food groups) were significantly overrepresented in the high-risk group (58.3%) relative to the low-risk group (30.4%) and had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.6-4.9) compared to those with high DDS. The analysis showed that students who ate diets high in both high-glycemic and high-fat foods were 2.4 times (95% CI: 1.5–3.8) more likely to develop PCOS compared to those following a mostly vegetarian diet. Additionally, a strong link was found between eating fast food more than three times a week and the appearance of PCOS symptoms. Conclusion: The findings indicate that poor dietary choices, especially those high in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats, significantly increase the risk of PCOS among young women in the Thane District. This emphasises the urgent need for public health efforts and nutritional education focused on preventive dietary interventions to promote healthier eating habits, with the aim of decreasing the prevalence of PCOS and its long-term health consequences in this vulnerable group.