Dietary Options in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Abstract

Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome is the hormonal imba-lance that is by and large considered to affect more or less 10% of the female population. PCOs is more com-mon in obese and overweight women, which further increases androgen secretion causing impaired meta-bolism and reproductive functions. Women with PC-OS are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, hypertension and type II dia-betes Mellitus. Weight reduction is difficult to achieve in obese women with PCOS than normal individuals. So a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program including individualized diet with moderate energy restriction based on basic healthy eating principles, at least 30 minutes moderate physical activity 3-5 days a week and behavior modification approach is required. Hypocaloric diets along with modification of carbo-hydrates have found to be effective. Selection of foods among low glycemic load (GL) and high fiber foods and replacing fats with polyunsaturated fats may be a helpful strategy in PCOS patients.