Role of lifestyle and diet in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Successful weight reduction through lifestyle modification has been shown to improve menstrual regulation and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS. The optimal diet for an individual with PCOS must not only encompass the short-term goals of weight management and fertility but also must take into account the long-term risk factors associated with this population, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. While numerous studies have assessed the relevance of individual macronutrients and diets restricted in one food group or another, long-term data providing conclusive evidence of superiority of one specific type of diet over the other in women with PCOS are lacking. Overall, the balance of existing evidence supports a diet moderate in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and moderate with respect to poly- and monounsaturated fats, with an emphasis on lean sources of protein, as conducive to overall improved health parameters in women with PCOS. Incorporation of regular exercise in daily routines has also demonstrated positive impact on the clinical picture of PCOS. Therefore, management must include lifestyle strategies such as diet and exercise, aimed at optimizing weight and improving insulin sensitivity, to target the spectrum of PCOS-related health concerns.