Results Of A Lifestyle Intervention Involving Healthy Diet, Exercise and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Context
Long-term weight loss is important for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Although no protocol exist for effective and long-term weight loss in this population. Three-component interventions including diet, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown to be effective in general and not yet in women with PCOS.
Objective
To examine the effect of a three-component intervention in obese women with PCOS.
Design
Randomized controlled trial.
Setting
Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam.
Patients
Women (N=209) diagnosed with PCOS and a BMI above 25 kg/m2.
Intervention(s)
One year of 20 sessions of CBT provided with information about a healthy diet, exercise, and additional 9 months electronic feedback through Short Message Service (SMS) via mobile phone. The control group received usual care which constitutes an advice to lose weight.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Proportion of weight loss of 5% and ≥10% at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include: BMI, waist and hip circumference.
Results
The odds ratio of achieving a 5% weight loss was 6.98 (p=.005) and 3.24 (p=.162) for 10% weight loss; in the lifestyle intervention group. BMI reduced 2.18 kg/m² in the interventions group compared to 0.91 kg/m²; p=0.004 in the control group.
Conclusions
Our lifestyle program combined healthy diet, exercise, SMS and CBT and resulted in a relevant and sustainable weight loss in obese women with PCOS. These findings support the idea that long term lifestyle interventions based on three components should be incorporated in daily practice to help women with PCOS to achieve a more healthy weight.