Effects of protein versus simple sugar intake on weight loss in polycystic ovary syndrome (according to the National Institutes of Health criteria)

Objective

To compare the effects of protein vs. simple sugars on weight loss, body composition, and metabolic and endocrine parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

A 2-month, free-living, randomized, single-blinded study.

Setting

University PCOS clinic.

Patient(s)

Thirty-three patients with PCOS.

Intervention(s)

To achieve a final energy reduction of 450 kcal/day, first the daily energy intake was reduced by 700 kcal; then a 240-kcal supplement containing either whey protein or simple sugars was added.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Changes in weight, fat mass, fasting glucose and insulin, plasma lipoproteins, and sex steroids.

Result(s)

Twenty-four subjects (13 in the simple sugars group and 11 in the protein group) completed the study. The protein group lost more weight (−3.3 ± 0.8 kg vs. −1.1 ± 0.6 kg) and more fat mass (−3.1 ± 0.9 kg vs. −0.5 ± 0.6 kg) and had larger decreases in serum cholesterol (−33.0 ± 8.4 mg/dL vs. −2.3 ± 6.8 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−4.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL vs. −0.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL), and apoprotein B (−20 ± 5 mg/dL vs. 3 ± 5 mg/dL).

Conclusion(s)

In patients with PCOS, a hypocaloric diet supplemented with protein reduced body weight, fat mass, serum cholesterol, and apoprotein B more than the diet supplemented with simple sugars.