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Subject Area

Family Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives To assess the effect of a diet and exercise program on clinical and metabolic features among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Background PCOS affects 5–10% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions. Obesity worsens the presentation of PCOS, and weight management (weight loss or prevention of excess weight gain) is proposed as an initial treatment strategy, best achieved through lifestyle changes including diet and exercise interventions. Patients and methods This study was conducted in two stages: the first stage was a cross-sectional study, and the second stage was an interventional prospective study. A total of 300 medical students were recruited in this study. All of the studied participants were evaluated through a predesigned questionnaire to assess ovulatory function; features of hyperandrogenism; examination to assess blood pressure; BMI waist circumference; and degree of hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia. All women who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PCOS underwent fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile tests and were subjected to a diet and exercise program to reduce body weight, and then they were evaluated for the same features 6 months after the program. Results The present study revealed that the prevalence of PCOS among the studied group was 10.7%. After 6 months of the diet and exercise program, there were improvements in menstrual cycle irregularities, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, there was no significant effect on the degree of hirsutism or acne. Conclusion Lifestyle modifications in the form of diet and exercise should be emphasized on during management of women with PCOS, as lifestyle changes and reducing body weight could improve some of the clinical features of PCOS.

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