The Interplay Between Premenstrual Syndrome, Eating Disorder Risk, and Adiposity Indicators: A Cross Sectional Study on Women

Background This study aimed to examine the relationship between the presence of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), eating attitudes, and daily energy and nutrient intake levels in women of reproductive age. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 252 volunteer women aged 18–49 who admitted to the Healthy Nutrition Unit in Istanbul. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and a retrospective 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference) were taken, body composition was determined via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and VAI was calculated. Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Logistic Regression tests were used for statistical analyses. Results PMS was detected in 57.9% of participants. The PMS group exhibited significantly higher body fat percentage (38.1% vs 37.1%, p = 0.039) and smoking rates (28.8% vs 16.0%, p = 0.018) compared to controls. While VAI levels did not differ, regression analysis revealed that high BMI, rather than PMS status, was the primary independent risk factor for eating disorders. Conclusion The findings reveal that increased body fat percentage and smoking are more determinant factors in PMS etiology than VAI, which is an indicator of visceral adiposity. The lack of significant difference in nutrient intake emphasizes the necessity of holistic lifestyle changes targeting smoking cessation and body fat reduction, rather than solely diet-focused approaches in PMS management.