This retrospective cross-sectional study examined if the white cell count (WCC) is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and if so, is it due to PCOS or to the associated obesity? Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Of the 113 women studied, 36 had PCOS and 77 did not. The mean WCC was higher in the PCOS group compared with the non-PCOS group (8.9 × 10(9)/l vs 7.4 × 10(9)/l p = 0.002). This increase was due to a higher neutrophil count (5.6 × 10(9)/l vs 4.3 × 10(9)/l; p = 0.003). There was a leucocytosis (WCC >11 × 10(9)/l) present in 19% of the PCOS group compared with 1% in the non-PCOS group (p < 0.001). The neutrophil count was abnormally high (>7.7 × 10(9)/l) in 14% of the PCOS group compared with 4% in the non-PCOS group (p < 0.001). On regression analysis, however, the only independent variable which explained both the increased WCC and the increased neutrophil count was PCOS. We found that PCOS is associated with an increased WCC due to increased neutrophils, which supports the evidence that PCOS is associated with low-grade inflammation. The increase appears to be due to the underlying PCOS, and not to the increased adiposity associated with PCOS.

Our findings show a high level of obesity in fathers-to-be, which has implications not only for the men themselves but also their families. We suggest that public health interventions directed at obesity during pregnancy should include both parents-to-be.

No abstract

Maternal obesity has emerged as a major public health issue however, a paucity of information regarding Body Mass Index (BMI) and body composition specifically in fathers during pregnancy. This study aims to determine the BMI and the body composition of fathers-to-be and to compare the findings with the mother-to-be during pregnancy. The authors conducted a prospective observational study in a large university teaching hospital. The authors enrolled men whose partner booked for antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. The height and weight of both parents-to-be were measured digitally and BMI calculated. The body composition of the couple was analysed using bioelectrical impedance. Of 167 fathers-to-be, 14% were obese (BMI >29.9 kg/m2) compared with 16% of mothers-to-be (NS). However, 50% were overweight (BMI 25.0 – 29.9 kg/m2) compared with 26% of mothers-to-be (p<0.001). The men had a lower overall fat percentage (p<0.001) but their visceral fat was higher than in the women (p<0.001). Our findings show a high level of obesity in fathers-to-be, which has implications not only for the men themselves but also their families. The authors suggest that public health obesity interventions may need to be family-centred.