Resting energy expenditure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Study Question: Is resting energy expenditure (REE) altered in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Summary Answer: Women with PCOS have a reduction in REE, when corrected for fat-free mass, independent of PCOS clinical phenotypes and BMI categories.

What Is Known Already: Obesity is an important issue in women with PCOS, in terms of frequency and pathophysiological implications. It has been hypothesized that obesity may be favoured by alterations in REE, but the studies have been limited and conflicting.