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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Anthropometric Measurements, Metabolic Profile, and Hormones in Women with
Yazan Ranneh1, Mohammed Hamsho2, Wijdan Shkorfu3
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu-Dhabi P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates.
Background:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by excess body weight, hyperandrogenism, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance often resulting in hirsutism and infertility. Dietary strategies have been shown to ameliorate metabolic disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation associated with PCOS. Recent evidence indicates that intermittent fasting (IF) could effectively enhance health outcomes and regulate circadian rhythm; however, its impact on PCOS remain unclear.
Objective:
Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the effect of IF on women diagnosed with PCOS.
Methods:
Comprehensive research was conducted across three major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science without date restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.4 software.
Results:
Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. IF significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.25 kg, 95% CI: -7.71, -0.79; p = 0.02), BMI (MD = -2.05 kg/m2, 95% CI: -3.26, -0.85; p = 0.0008), fasting blood glucose (FBG; MD = -2.86 mg/dL, 95% CI: -4.83, -0.89; p = 0.004), fasting blood insulin (FBI; MD = -3.17 μU/mL, 95% CI: -5.18, -1.16; p = 0.002), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; MD = -0.94, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.50; p < 0.0001), triglycerides (TG; MD = -40.71 mg/dL, 95% CI: -61.53, -19.90; p = 0.0001), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S; MD = -33.21 μg/dL, 95% CI: -57.29, -9.13; p = 0.007), free androgen index (FAI; MD = -1.61%, 95% CI: -2.76, -0.45; p = 0.006), and C-reactive protein (CRP; MD = -2.00 mg/L, 95% CI: -3.15, -0.85; p = 0.006), while increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.77; p = 0.004). No significant changes were observed in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, total testosterone (TT), or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).
Conclusions:
IF represents a promising strategy for improving weight and metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory profiles in women with PCOS. However, the existing evidence remains preliminary, necessitating further robust studies to substantiate these findings.
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