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.
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
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2012
Does Vitex agnus castus work for PMS, and what dose is best?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
Are premenstrual symptoms linked to depression in teenage girls?
Cohort study, 2023
Does recreational physical exercise reduce premenstrual symptoms in teenage girls?
Cohort study, 2017
How common is PMS in high school students, and what symptoms and problems does it cause?
Cohort study, 2016
Is inflammation linked to premenstrual symptoms?