A pulse‐based diet and exercise training in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: effects on body composition, blood lipids and reproductive measures (117.5)

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that predisposes women to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, infertility and endometrial cancer with an annual cost of $4 billion in the United States. We hypothesized that a pulse‐based diet (e.g. beans, lentils) would have a positive effect on body composition as analyzed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, reproductive measures and serum lipid profiles. Twenty‐five women with PCOS aged 18‐35y with a mean BMI of 31 were randomly assigned to groups receiving a pulse‐based diet (n=14) or the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) diet (n=11) for 16 wks while participating in an exercise program. Following the intervention, both groups lost body mass (p<0.05; Pulse ‐2.4 vs TLC ‐3.0 kg), percent fat mass (Pulse ‐1.0 vs TLC ‐1.6 %) and trunk fat mass (Pulse ‐1.0 vs TLC ‐1.7 kg). No changes were observed in lean body mass between groups. Both dietary interventions also resulted in more women exhibiting regular menstrual patterns (p<0.001) and a tendency towards a decreased antral follicle count in the right ovary (p=0.06); however, only the pulse diet reduced total cholesterol to HDL ratio (4.2 to 3.8 p<0.005). As hypothesized, a pulse‐based diet reduced body fat, and improved reproductive measures and serum lipid profiles. Thus, early diagnosis and dietary/exercise interventions are important in alleviating both the personal health and economic costs associated with PCOS.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Agriculture Agri‐Food Canada (Cluster Program)