BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Management of BMI and weight reduction is an important component of the management plan for PCOS.

• The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (see ‘Primary Sources for more information) is used to treat obesity and high blood pressure
• This study by Azadi-Yazdi et al. (Journal of Human Nutrition and Diet, 2017) sought to determine the effects of the DASH diet on reproductive hormones, plasma total antioxidant status, and anthropometric indices in overweight and obese women with PCOS

METHODS:

• Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
• 60 overweight (BMI 25-29 kg m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg m2) women with PCOS were randomized to a either DASH or control diet
  • Both diets consisted of 50-55% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 25-30% total fat
  • The DASH diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy product and low in saturated fats, cholesterol, refine grains, and sugars
• Outcomes measures were obtained before and 3 months after diet included
• Primary outcome: difference in testosterone
• Secondary outcomes: differences in androstenedione and SHBG, body composition and total antioxidant capacity

RESULTS:

• Weight loss was greater on the DASH diet (-5.78 kg versus -4.34, P = 0.032)
• Drop in BMI was greater on the DASH diet (-2.29 kg m-2 versus -1.69 kg m-2, P = 0.02)
• Decrease in fat mass was greater on the DASH diet (-3.23 kg versus -2.13 kg, P = 0.008)
• Drop in serum androstenedione on the DASH diet (-1.75 ng mL-1 versus -1.02 ng mL-1, P-value = 0.019)
• SHBG levels were greater on the DASH diet (28.80 versus 11.66 nmol L-1, P = 0.003)
• DPPH scavenging activity (antioxidant capacity) was greater in the DASH diet (30.23% versus 12.97%, P = 0.005)

CONCLUSIONS:

• The DASH diet can help with weight loss, lowering BMI, and decreasing fat mass
• The DASH diet decreased levels of serum androstenedione
• The DASH diet increased antioxidant status and SHBG
• For overweight and obese women with PCOS, the DASH diet is an effective way of losing weight and helping hormone levels

Learn More – Primary Sources:

Effects of Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension diet on androgens, antioxidant status and body composition in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled trial

Description of the DASH Eating Plan

Related ObG Topics:

Does the Mediterranean Diet Decrease Risk of Breast Cancer?

PCOS: Targeting Treatments to Improve Reproductive Outcomes and Reduce CVD

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Making the Diagnosis