Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: July 5, 2024
Improvements in PCOS characteristics and phenotype severity during a randomized controlled lifestyle intervention
Alexandra L P Dietz de Loos1, Geranne Jiskoot2, Reinier Timman1
1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam CA 3000, the Netherlands.
Research Question:
What is the effect of weight loss through different interventions (three-component lifestyle intervention with short message service [SMS+] versus three-component lifestyle intervention without SMS [SMS-] versus care as usual [CAU]) on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characteristics (ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology [PCOM]) and phenotype distribution?
Design:
Analysis of secondary outcome measures of a randomized controlled trial. Women diagnosed with PCOS (n = 183), who wished to become pregnant, with a body mass index above 25 kg/m², were assigned to a 1-year three-component (cognitive behavioural therapy, diet, exercise) lifestyle intervention group, with or without SMS, or to CAU (advice to lose weight).
Results:
The prevalence of biochemical hyperandrogenism was 30.9% less in the SMS- group compared with CAU after 1 year (P = 0.027). Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in ovulatory dysfunction (SMS+: -39.8%, P = 0.001; SMS-: -30.5%, P = 0.001; CAU: -32.1%, P < 0.001), biochemical hyperandrogenism (SMS-: -27.8%, P = 0.007) and PCOM (SMS-: -14.0%, P = 0.034). Weight loss had a significantly favourable effect on the chance of having ovulatory dysfunction (estimate 0.157 SE 0.030, P < 0.001) and hyperandrogenism (estimate 0.097 SE 0.027, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
All groups demonstrated improvements in PCOS characteristics, although these were more profound within the lifestyle intervention groups. Weight loss per se led to an amelioration of diagnostic characteristics and in the phenotype of PCOS. A three-component lifestyle intervention aimed at a 5-10% weight loss should be recommended for all women with PCOS before they become pregnant.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution

