Association of body mass index & android obesity with uterine leiomyoma among premenopausal women: A case–control study

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) or uterine fibroids are the primary genital tumors in women of reproductive age. Obesity and increased visceral fat, and the production of inflammatory mediators might be risk factors for ULs. This study aimed to assess the correlation between ULs and body fat distribution among Iranian women. This case-control study involved 280 women of reproductive age with ULs and without myoma in 2020. They referred to three women's clinics in Shiraz (Shahid Faghihi, Zeinabieh, and Motahhari clinics). The sample size for each group consisted of at least 140 subjects selected via consumptive sampling methods. A gynecologist pre-diagnosed ULs based on the findings of vaginal ultrasound. We recorded and compared both groups' demographic information, fertility and ULs histories, body mass index (BMI), and android obesity. We used chi-square and t-tests to analyze the data. Most patients with ULs (64 people, 45.7%) were 41-50 years old. Most of them (126, 90%) were housewives, and the level of education of most patients (74 people, 52.9%) was under high school diploma. The mean BMI in women with myoma was 26.05±5.32 and 25.81 ±4.38 in women without myoma. There was no significant difference in the mean scores of BMI between the two groups, but the Android fat obesity was higher in patients with ULs. Few studies have attempted to identify specific risk factors for this tumor. Preventing weight gain and obesity and lifestyle modification can prevent Uterine leiomyoma.