Effects of protein versus simple sugar intake on weight loss in polycystic ovary syndrome (according to the National Institutes of Health criteria)

Objective: To compare the effects of protein vs. simple sugars on weight loss, body composition, and metabolic and endocrine parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: A 2-month, free-living, randomized, single-blinded study. Setting: University PCOS clinic. Patient(s): Thirty-three patients with PCOS. Intervention(s): To achieve a final energy reduction of 450 kcal/day, first the daily energy intake was reduced by 700 kcal; then a 240-kcal supplement containing either whey protein or simple sugars was added. Main Outcome Measure(s): Changes in weight, fat mass, fasting glucose and insulin, plasma lipoproteins, and sex steroids. Result(s): Twenty-four subjects (13 in the simple sugars group and 11 in the protein group) completed the study. The protein group lost more weight (-3.3 ± 0.8 kg vs. -1.1 ± 0.6 kg) and more fat mass (-3.1 ± 0.9 kg vs. -0.5 ± 0.6 kg) and had larger decreases in serum cholesterol (-33.0 ± 8.4 mg/dL vs. -2.3 ± 6.8 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-4.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL vs. -0.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL), and apoprotein B (-20 ± 5 mg/dL vs. 3 ± 5 mg/dL). Conclusion(s): In patients with PCOS, a hypocaloric diet supplemented with protein reduced body weight, fat mass, serum cholesterol, and apoprotein B more than the diet supplemented with simple sugars.