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. 2025 Jan 16;17(2):310.
doi: 10.3390/nu17020310.

The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review

Rohit Gautam  1 , Pratibha Maan  1 , Anshu Jyoti  2 , Anshu Kumar  2 , Neena Malhotra  2 , Taruna Arora  1
Affiliations

The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review

Rohit Gautam et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle changes are suggested as first-line interventions in managing PCOS. This systematic review aims to assess the scientific evidence regarding the role of lifestyle modifications (dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral changes) in improving reproductive, anthropometric, metabolic, and psychological outcomes in women with PCOS. Dietary interventions such as foods with low glycemic index scores; caloric restrictions; high-fiber, omega three fatty acid-rich diets; ketogenic diets; Mediterranean diets; antioxidant-rich food; and anti-inflammatory diets improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in women with PCOS. Physical activity, like aerobic and resistance exercise, enhances insulin sensitivity, helps weight loss, and improves metabolic and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS. Further, behavioral and education modules can also be used to improve awareness, adherence, and the effectiveness of conventional treatment and to manage mental health issues related to PCOS. Collectively, lifestyle modifications not only improve the biochemical, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters in PCOS patients but also reduce the long-term risks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: PCOS; dietary interventions; ketogenic diet; lifestyle modifications; physical activity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Risk factors and major symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The figure was created using Biorender.com.
Figure 2
Figure 2
PRISMA flow diagram for screening and selection.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effect of different dietary patterns on PCOS symptoms reduction. ↑ Sign indicate increase and ↓ sign indicate decrease in the symptoms mentioned adjacent to it. Figure was created using Biorender.com.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Impact of physical activity/exercise on anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic, reproductive, and mental health outcomes in women with PCOS. ↑ Sign indicate increase and ↓ sign indicate decrease in the outcome mentioned adjacent to it. Figure created using Biorender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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