Vegan vs. Low-Calorie Diets for PCOS Weight Loss: Insights from a Feasibility Study

This summarizes the research study “Low glycemic index vegan or low-calorie weight loss diets for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled feasibility study” published in 2014.

The study aimed to compare a low-fat, low-GI vegan diet with no calorie restriction to a standard low-calorie diet for weight loss in overweight women with PCOS who were experiencing infertility.

- 18 overweight women with PCOS were split into a vegan diet group and low-calorie diet group

- Outcomes measured at 0, 3, and 6 months included:

- Body weight

- Dietary intake

- Menstrual cycles

- Pregnancy

- The vegan group lost significantly more weight at 3 months, but there was no difference by 6 months

- The vegan group had greater decreases in energy and fat intake at 6 months

- Engagement with the Facebook support group correlated with weight loss

- High drop-out rates were a limitation

Preliminary findings suggest that a no-added fat vegan diet may promote short-term weight loss in overweight women with PCOS compared to a standard low-calorie diet. Larger, longer studies are still needed given the high attrition rate.

Turner-McGrievy, G. M., Davidson, C. R., Wingard, E. E., & Billings, D. L. (2014). "Low glycemic index vegan or low-calorie weight loss diets for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled feasibility study." Contemporary Clinical Trials, 37(1), 63-71. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531714000682?via%3Dihub