Analysis of body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat in predicting insulin resistance of polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be found in 5–10% women in reproductive age. Insulin resistance plays role in 50–80% PCOS patients. Many methods of measurement has been established to determine insulin resistance. However, all method of measurements are invasive, expensive, and inaccessible in remote area. Objectives: To assess whether Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and body fat can be used as predicting variables of insulin resistance in PCOS patients and to assess variables’ cut off point. Method: This was a cross-sectional study of BMI, waist circumference, and body fat to assess insulin resistance in PCOS patients. A diagnostic study with observations that can be a predictor of insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Samples of this study were 61 women with PCOS. Results: There were 47 subjects (77%) with insulin resistance and 14 subjects (23%) who were not insulin resistance. All of three variables were statistically significant, there were BMI (p = 0.001, cut-off point value = 24.75 kg/m2, sensitivity = 72.3%, and specificity = 71.4%), waist circumference (p = 0.004, cut off point value = 86.5 cm, sensitivity = 68.1%, and specificity = 71.4%), and body fat (p =0.005, cut-off point value=36.15%, sensitivity =68.1%, and specificity =64.3%). Conclusion: BMI, waist circumference and body fat can be used as predictors of insulin resistance in PCOS women.