The Body Composition of Women Undergoing ART, and Its Relationship with Sex Hormones and Biochemical Indicators

Abstract

This study displays a retrospective cohort analysis in the Reproductive and Genetic Health Center of Peking University First Hospital. Data were collected from 411 women receiving ART. The body composition, sex hormones and biochemical indicators were assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Subjects were grouped by Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Percentage (BFP), and differences of body composition among groups were analyzed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between sex hormones, biochemical indicators and body composition. Compared with the non-overweight group (BMI <24kg/m²), the lean body mass and fat mass of the overweight group (BMI ≥24kg/m²) increased significantly (P <0.001). Notably, 43.7% of non-overweight subjects have increased body fat as distinguished by PBF. The visceral adipose tissue increased by 50.9% in subjects with more fat. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), triglyceride, Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and testosterone were positively correlated with trunk fat, while High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and estradiol were negatively correlated with trunk fat. Moreover, total cholesterol was positively correlated with Bone Mineral Content (BMC). Therefore, this research demonstrated significant differences in body composition between overweight and non-overweight women receiving ART. Combining PBF with BMI, obesity can be identified more accurately. Biochemical metabolism and sex hormones were related to body composition. Therefore, women receiving ART require detailed measurements of body composition, not BMI. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and body composition in women receiving ART treatment.