Metabolic syndrome, diet and exercise

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2016 Nov:37:140-151. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2016.01.006. Epub 2016 Feb 10.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a range of metabolic complications including insulin resistance (IR), obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These compound risks result in a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and possibly increased cardiovascular (CV) disease. As the cardiometabolic risk of PCOS is shared amongst the different diagnostic systems, all women with PCOS should undergo metabolic surveillance though the precise approach differs between guidelines. Lifestyle interventions consisting of increased physical activity and caloric restriction have been shown to improve both metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery may be considered in resistant metabolic disease. Issues requiring further research include the natural history of PCOS-associated metabolic disease, absolute CV risk and comparative efficacy of lifestyle interventions.

Keywords: diet; exercise; insulin resistance; lifestyle intervention; metabolic syndrome; polycystic ovary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Diet
  • Diet Therapy*
  • Exercise
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hyperlipidemias / complications
  • Hyperlipidemias / therapy
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / therapy
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications
  • Metabolic Syndrome / therapy*
  • Metformin / therapeutic use
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / therapy*
  • Weight Reduction Programs

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin