Psychological benefits of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome--a pilot study.
This study compared the psychological effects of a low-protein high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet and a high-protein low-carbohydrate (HPLC) diet in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty-five overweight women with PCOS were matched for age, weight, and whether they were trying to conceive. They were randomly allocated to the LPHC or HPLC diet for 16 weeks. All participants attended a weekly exercise, group support and educational program. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale were administered at the beginning and end of the study. The HPLC diet was associated with significant reduction in depression and improvement in self-esteem. There was no change in any psychological measures for the LPHC group. There was no difference in weight loss between the groups. Due to enhanced feelings of well-being, it is possible that HPLC diets may be associated with better compliance and hence be more successful in the long term treatment of obesity.
Galletly
Cherrie
C
Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. cherrie.galletly@adelaide.edu.au
Moran
Lisa
L
Noakes
Manny
M
Clifton
Peter
P
Tomlinson
Lisa
L
Norman
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003863:Depression / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology; D050528:Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted / Q000523:psychology; D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted / Q000523:psychology; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins