Targeted nutritional counseling improves dietary diversity and body composition in females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. This study aimed to assess the impact of nutritional counseling on dietary diversity and body composition parameters among females with PCOS in Lahore, Pakistan.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental prospective intervention study was conducted over 6 months from January 2023 to July 2023 in Lahore, Pakistan. Purposive sampling was done to recruit females diagnosed with PCOS, aged 18 to 30 years (N = 50). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on PCOS and lifestyle characteristics of the participants. Anthropometric assessments and body composition analyses were performed for each participant. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine physical activity levels, while dietary information was obtained using a pre-validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Nutritional counseling was provided at baseline and at 3 months. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6 months. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) and body composition parameters (pre- and post- intervention) were assessed. Paired sample t-test was applied to compare DDS and body composition parameters before and after intervention. Multivariate regression was applied to determine the independent predictors of body composition.

RESULTS

Nutritional counseling had a positive impact on body composition and dietary diversity. DDS improved significantly from 2.94 to 5.10 (P < 0.05). Consequently, a significant improvement was seen in the in-body score, from 62.94 to 64.72. Visceral fat also decreased significantly from 12.74 to 11.74. Multivariate regression showed baseline parameters strongly predicted changes in body composition.

CONCLUSION

DDS and body composition improved significantly as a result of nutritional counseling. Individualized nutritional counseling is pertinent to improve overall body composition in females with PCOS by increasing dietary diversity.