New Study Reveals Short-Term Keto Diet Enhances Weight Loss in Women With PCOS

Resorting to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet can significantly advance weight loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to recent research conducted by the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

The Impact of a Ketogenic Diet

The study discovered that following a short-term ketogenic diet for 45 days resulted in improvements in hormonal imbalances commonly associated with PCOS.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects many women and is characterized by irregular periods, high levels of male sex hormones, and multiple cysts on the ovaries. Additional symptoms may include excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain.

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Improved Hormone Levels Seen

The keto diet intervention in women with PCOS significantly improved their reproductive hormone levels and lowered their follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, ultimately enhancing fertility.

Researchers also observed reduced testosterone levels in women after following the keto diet.

The meta-analysis study consisted of 170 participants and examined the effects of the keto diet on reproductive hormones and weight change in women with PCOS.

A ketogenic diet helps the body enter a metabolic state of ketosis where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

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Normalization of Menstrual Cycles

In addition to weight loss and improved hormone levels, the ketogenic diet also normalized menstrual cycles and optimized cholesterol levels in women with PCOS.

PCOS is known to increase the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic health problems, making these findings particularly significant.

“We found an association between the ketogenic diet and improvements in reproductive hormone levels, which directly impact fertility in women with PCOS,” said Karniza Khalid, the corresponding author of the study and a representative of the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

“These findings have important clinical implications and highlight the need for endocrinologists, gynecologists, and dietitians to carefully plan and customize individual diet recommendations for women with PCOS in addition to medical treatment,” added Khalid.

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