Fad Diets for PCOS? Not So Fast!

Losing weight is essential to controlling insulin resistance but following diet trends may not be the best approach.

Any plan based on eliminating whole food groups, such as carbohydrates, is not practical for long-term weight control.

“Eliminating carbs is not something recommend”. However, choosing more low-glycemic carbohydrates (those that do not cause a surge in blood sugar) such as fiber-rich whole grains and non-starchy vegetables can be helpful. The goal is to keep blood sugar stable and avoid big dips and spikes. Smaller, more frequent meals can really help, combined with balanced snacks so you’re eating about every four hours.”

Because maintaining consistent blood sugar is important, intermittent fasting may not be the best option for people with polycystic ovary syndrome. In fact, some patients may consume too many calories when eating is permitted.

Intermittent fasting is a newer approach to weight loss and works for some people, but more research is needed to see if it is safe and beneficial for people with PCOS.