Impact of an online multicomponent very-low-carbohydrate program in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To study the impact of a very-low-carbohydrate (VLC) diet for 16 weeks in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Single-arm prospective pilot study.

Setting: We recruited participants using medical records from an academic medical center.

Patients: Twenty-nine overweight or obese women (body mass index, 25-50 kg/m²) with PCOS.

Interventions: We taught participants to follow a VLC diet and provided information about a variety of behavioral skills including mindfulness and positive affect using an online 16-week intervention.

Main outcome measures: Changes in body weight, glycated hemoglobin, and PCOS-related quality of life.

Results: The intervention led to positive health outcomes including decreases in percent weight (mean difference = -7.67, SD = 6.10) and glycated hemoglobin level (mean difference = -0.21%, SD = 0.27), an increase in sex hormone binding globulin level (mean difference = 9.24 nmol/L, SD = 16.34), and increases in PCOS-related quality of life measures, including menstrual predictability (mean difference = 2.10, SD = 2.76) and body hair (mean difference = 1.14, SD = 1.04). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased (mean difference = 0.23 mmol/L, SD = 0.49).

Conclusions: The results suggest that a VLC dietary intervention has potential to promote both weight loss and glycemic control in overweight and obese adults with PCOS, two key components in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration number: NCT03987854.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome; very-low-carbohydrate diet; weight.