Visceral Adiposity Index and Lipid Accumulation Product as a Predictors of Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Karbala Holly

Abstract Background: Insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism are the two main characteristics of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), in addition to central obesity and dyslipidemia. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the lipid accumulation product (LAP) are markers that include anthropometric parameters and blood lipids, and they have shown accuracy in detecting visceral obesity and predicting IR. Objectives: This study aims to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and PCOS characteristics as well as to identify the most effective markers that can predict IR in PCOS in Karbala city. Materials and Methods: This study is a case‐control study and included 170 women with ages ranging between 18 and 40 years. We divided PCOS patients and healthy control into groups depending on their BMI: less than 25 kg/m 2 and more than 25 kg/m 2 . Each person underwent a medical examination, ultrasonogram, hormones (serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulation hormone, prolactin, and free testosterone), metabolic parameters (lipids profile, insulin resistance), and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Results: Group 2 PCOS patients (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 ) had significantly higher levels of insulin resistance and the luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio compared to group 1 PCOS patients (their BMI ≤ 25 kg/m 2 ) P value 0.001. The LAP and VAI were significantly different in PCOS2 compared to PCOS1, the sensitivity of LAP and VAI to predictors IR in groups 2PCOS was 71% and 81%, respectively. The beck anxiety inventory was used to calculate anxiety, resulting in PCOS2 having a high mean than PCOS1. Conclusion: We can conclude that VAI and LAP can help to early detect IR in PCOS patients with a BMI of more than 25 kg/m 2 .