Patients were given a standardized interview to obtain information about the duration of obesity, eating patterns, smok¬ing habits and physical exercise. In particular, subjects were also asked to make a daily record of the amount of physical activity (no exercise; ≤2-3 h/week; ≥2-3 h/week). Preadmission food intake and dietary history were assessed by a skilled dietitian who used a computer-assisted interview (Winfood 1.5, Medimatica srl, Martinsicuro, Italy). All PCOS women received a normo-caloric diet.