Effect of healthy lifestyle promotion on anthropometric variables, eating behavior and cardiometabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: In women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), metabolic abnormalities are common, including insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia, suggesting an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objectives: To evaluate the effect of healthy lifestyle promotion on eating behavior and metabolic biomarkers in women with PCOS. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out in 102 women (30±7 years) with PCOS. Patients received nutritional counseling based on Mediterranean diet principles and recommendations to practice a regular physical activity, and were followed up during six weeks. Dietary survey and biomarkers analysis were assessed at baseline (T0), after three weeks (T1) and 6 weeks (T2). Results: After six weeks of intervention, there was a significant decrease in total energy intake by (-30%) at T1 and (-32%) at T2 (p˂0.001), compared to baseline. Significant decrease was recorded in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids intake at T1 and T2 (p˂0.001). An increase in monounsaturated fatty acid intake was noted at T1 and T2 (p˂0.001). The body mass index (BMI) was diminished at T2 (p˂0.01), and waist circumference at T1 and T2 (p˂0.001). Glucose values decreased at T1 (p˂0.05) and T2 (p˂0.001). Total cholesterol decreased at T1 (p˂0.05) and T2 (p˂0.01). HDL-C increased at T1 (p˂0.001) and T2 (p˂0.001), when CRP values remained unchanged. A decrease in Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentrations was observed at T1 and T2 (p˂0.05). Superoxyde Dismutase, Catalase activities and thiols amount increased at T2 (p˂0.001). Conclusion: In the long term, healthy lifestyle promotion could be beneficial to prevent or reverse the clustering of metabolic abnormalities and prevent CVD in women with PCOS.