Metabolic and hormonal effects of weight loss in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

ISRCTN ISRCTN48947168
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN48947168
Secondary identifying numbers 2012-10-10
Submission date
10/10/2012
Registration date
16/11/2012
Last edited
28/02/2023
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone disorders that affects women of childbearing age. The symptoms of PCOS include enlarged (polycystic) ovaries, high levels of male hormones (hyperandrogenism), irregular periods (anovulation), infertility and miscarriage. Furthermore, women with PCOS have a high risk of developing metabolic disorders such as diabetes and heart disease. Lifestyle changes (weight loss and exercise) are an important part of treatment. However, many patients fail to lose weight by lifestyle changes or quickly regain weight. Structured lifestyle management with long-term support may improve patients’ compliance. The main aim of this study is to evaluate an individualized diet and exercise program for weight loss in overweight women with PCOS.

Who can participate?
Overweight/obese women aged 18-40 with PCOS

What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated into two groups. Group A starts with an active treatment of an individualized diet and exercise program, and Group B begins with self-treatment (lifestyle change on their own). After four months, Group A switches to self-treatment and Group B to active treatment. After eight months, there is a follow-up period of four months with self-treatment for all participants. Investigations at the start of the study and after 4 and 12 months include a blood sample for measurement of hormone levels, vital signs, BMI and waist/hip measurements, quality of life assessment, gynecological examination, measurement of body composition, assessment of liver fat by CT scan, and endometrial, muscle and subcutaneous fat samples.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
All patients undergo a general health examination, gynaecological evaluation and investigations of body composition, which are important information for their own health. If they succeed at losing weight this should be beneficial for future health and fertility. The potential risks of participating in this study are expected to be small. Endometrial biopsies (samples of the lining of the womb) are collected under local anaesthetic, which usually provides good pain relief, but occasionally can give short-term pain and some discomfort. Fat and muscle biopsies are taken according to a standard sampling technique under local anaesthetic. The sampling can cause bruising and soreness, and in extremely rare cases, infection. A small scar may occur after sampling. The total dose of radiation from the scans is relatively low.

Where is the study run from?
Women’s Health Research Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2012 to May 2016

Who is funding the study?
Swedish Medical Research Council

Who is the main contact?
Prof. Angelica L Hirschberg

Contact information

Prof Angelica L Hirschberg
Scientific

Department of Women's and Children's health
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm
SE 171 76
Sweden

Study information

Study designProspective randomised controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)GP practice
Study typeQuality of life
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleMetabolic and hormonal effects of weight loss in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome - a prospective randomised controlled trial
Study objectivesA structured lifestyle program with long-term support could lead to sustained weight loss and improved reproductive and metabolic health.
Ethics approval(s)Regional Ethics Committee, Stockholm, 29/02/2012, ref: 2012/146-31/3
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
InterventionActive treatment - individualized diet and exercise program:
The diet aims to reduce the intake of fast carbohydrates, in favour of foods with low glycemic index (GI), giving a smoother postprandial glucose curve and lower insulin levels. A protein drink (Natural Balance Shake, from Indevex), consisting of a protein mix from natural foods for a total of 65 kcal is taken 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner to reduce hunger and prevent excess intake of other foods. Food diary, weight and waist/hip measurements are used for evaluation of the diet. The exercise program is based on each individual’s condition, interest and experience and may include walking (with or without poles), water aerobics or fitness at Friskis & Svettis. Pedometers, exercise diary and pulse measurement are used for evaluation. Follow-up is performed in groups twice a week under the guidance of a lifestyle coach. Furthermore, individual coaching takes place via telephone and/or e-mail four times per month.

Self treatment - lifestyle change on their own but including the protein drink
Individual follow-up is performed twice per month at the clinic with control of weight and waist/hip measurements.
Intervention typeBehavioural
Primary outcome measureWeight change

Added 04/12/2019: measured in kilograms and a percentage at baseline, 4 and 12 months
Secondary outcome measuresCurrent secondary outcome measures as of 04/12/2019:
1. Menstrual function defined as menstrual cycle type (regular cycle, oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhea) reported by participants at baseline, 4 and 12 months as well as changes to the proportion of study participants in each category at all review points
2. Body composition (total fat percentage, trunk fat mass and lean body mass) assessed by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner at baseline, 4 and 12 months as well as changes to the body composition between baseline and the review points
3. Insulin sensitivity assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin levels and the HOMA-index at baseline, 4 and 12 months and changes to these between baseline and the review points
4. Psychological well being as assessed by the Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI) at baseline, 4 and 12 months and changes to the PGWBI between baseline and the review points
5. Sleep pattern, measured by total sleep time, bedtime and wake up time and sleep efficiency. This is recorded using an Actigraph for 7 consecutive days at baseline and 4 months.
6. Metabolic status as measured by blood lipids, as well as metabolomic analysis of proteins specific for satiety and hunger. This will be done at baseline, 4 and 12 months
7. Liver fat as determined by MRI in a subset of patients at baseline and after 4 and 12 months

Previous secondary outcome measures:
1. Menstrual function
2. Body composition
3. Insulin sensitivity in the endometrium, muscle and fat tissue
Overall study start date01/01/2012
Completion date28/05/2016

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit40 Years
SexFemale
Target number of participants40 women with complete investigations
Key inclusion criteria1. All criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS should be met (anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries)
2. 18-40 years
3. BMI between 27 and 38
4. No medication or hormone-containing contraceptives
5. If any kind of hormonal contraception, acceptance for three months of wash-out period before entering the study
6. Accepting a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms, IUD during the study or be sterilized
7. Willing to give informed consent in writing
Key exclusion criteria1. Smoking
2. Use of hormone-containing contraceptives
3. Chronic Illness
4. Ongoing medication
Date of first enrolment01/01/2012
Date of final enrolment31/12/2014

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Sweden

Study participating centre

Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm
SE 171 76
Sweden

Sponsor information

Karolinska Institutet (Sweden)
Research organisation

c/o Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
Department of Women's and Children's health
Stockholm
SE 171 76
Sweden

Website http://ki.se/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/056d84691

Funders

Funder type

Research council

Vetenskapsrådet ref: 20324
Government organisation / National government
Alternative name(s)
Swedish Research Council, VR
Location
Sweden

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryAvailable on request
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are/will be available upon request from Angelica Lindén Hirschberg (angelica.linden-hirschberg@sll.se).

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article results 01/03/2019 04/12/2019 Yes No
Other publications Secondary analysis 10/02/2023 28/02/2023 Yes No

Editorial Notes

28/02/2023: Publication reference added.
05/12/2019: IPD sharing statement added.
04/12/2019: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The primary and secondary outcome measures fields were updated.
2. The overall trial end date was changed from 31/12/2014 to 28/05/2016.
3. Publication reference added.
20/07/2016: Plain English summary added.