Exercise and body image distress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot investigation.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the present pilot study were to: (1) examine the prevalence of body image distress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); (2) assess the effects of a low-cost intervention in the form of a self-directed brisk walking program on body image distress; and (3) assess the level of participation, the feasibility of a larger study and the sample size required.


METHODS
This was an observational study whereby volunteers acted as their own control. Thirty-five women with PCOS (mean age 29.26 +/- 7.57 years) with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m(2) volunteered for the study. Twenty-three returned six months later for reassessment. Of these, 12 completed the exercise program (completers) and 11 did not (non-completers). Pre and post assessments comprised the exercise tolerance test, the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination - Self-Report (BDDE-SR), a questionnaire on self-perceived hirsutism and dietary and activity records.


RESULTS
Distress with body size was highly prevalent for the overall sample. However, completers had significantly higher BDDE-SR scores at baseline compared with non-completers (p < 0.005). Pre and post assessments showed a significant reduction in body image distress only for completers (p < 0.01) despite no significant change in BMI.


CONCLUSIONS
A self-directed walking program is a low-cost intervention that can have psychological benefits for overweight women with PCOS. Specific recommendations for a randomized study are put forward.
Liao
Lih M
LM
Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
Nesic
Jelena
J
Chadwick
Paul M
PM
Brooke-Wavell
Katherine
K
Prelevic
Gordana M
GM
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005639:Frustration; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult