A trial to compare the effect of weight loss diets on obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN36687466 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN36687466 |
| Protocol serial number | REC 16/YH/0518 |
| Sponsor | Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals |
| Funder | University of Hull |
- Submission date
- 15/03/2017
- Registration date
- 24/04/2017
- Last edited
- 10/05/2024
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder in women of reproductive age. Many of these women are overweight or obese and so often also experience insulin resistance (a disorder where the body’s cells don’t react to insulin as they should do). Up to 50% of women with PCOS develop impaired glucose tolerance (a type of pre-diabetes) or type 2 diabetes by the age of 40. Women with PCOS also have a greater risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack or stroke, and are more likely to develop endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the womb). In addition, the symptoms and side effects associated with PCOS have been shown to lead to a reduction in quality of life. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders are common. Diet has been shown to play a key role in the treatment and management of PCOS. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of a standard weight loss diet given by dietitians and another more aggressive diet which limits intake to 800 calories.
Who can participate?
Overweight or obese women with PCOS who want to lose weight and are aged 18-45 years.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group take part in a very low calorie diet (VLCD), which consists of consuming shakes or soups up to four times a day for eight weeks. Following the eight week diet, participants are supported for a further eight weeks by a dietician to wean them back onto a healthy eating pattern, and reducing down by one shake every two weeks. Those in the second group have their energy requirements calculated by a dietitian and are advised about how to reduce their calorie intake to lose weight. These participants are reviewed every two weeks for eight weeks and supported for a further eight weeks to ensure they keep up the weight loss. Every two weeks throughout the study, participants in both groups are followed up to see if they have lost weight, and blood samples are taken to see how well they are controlling their blood sugar levels and to see what effect their diets have had on their PCOS.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants are likely to benefit from losing weight as a result of taking part in this study. There is a small risk of pain or bruising when blood samples are taken. In addition, there is a risk of experiencing side effects from the VLCD, such as tiredness, hunger, headaches, constipation, hair thinning, bad breath and changes to mood.
Where is the study run from?
Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research, Hull Royal infirmary (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
July 2016 to May 2018
Who is funding the study?
University of Hull (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Professor Thozhukat Sathyapalan
Thozhukat.Sathyapalan@hyms.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific
Academic Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Brocklehurst building
Hull Royal Infirmary
220-236 Anlaby Road
Hull
HU3 2RW
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 1482 675387 |
|---|---|
| Thozhukat.Sathyapalan@hyms.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomised control trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Participant information sheet | ISRCTN36687466_PIS_25Jan17_V2.doc |
| Scientific title | A randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of very low calorie diet (VLCD) vs. an energy deficit approach weight loss diet, over 8 weeks, in obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) |
| Study objectives | A very low calorie diet (VLCD) for 8 weeks in obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) will result in improvements in free androgen index. |
| Ethics approval(s) | Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee, 17/02/2017, ref: 16/YH/0518 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | PCOS and obesity |
| Intervention | Participants are randomised to one of two study arms using the website randomisation.com. Arm 1 – Very low calorie diet (VLCD): Shakes or soups will be consumed up to 4 times per day providing 800kcal/d. No other food can be consumed only fluids, tea/coffee. The patients will follow this diet for 8 weeks. They will then be supported for a further 8 weeks by the dietitian, gradually weaning them back on to a normal healthy eating pattern and reducing down, by one shake, every 2 weeks. Arm 2 – Energy deficit diet: The patient will have their energy requirements calculated by a dietitian and advice provided on how to reduce their kcal intake by 600kcal/d to induce weight loss. They will be reviewed every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. They will then be supported for a further 8 weeks by the dietitian to ensure weight loss is maintained. They will be reviewed every 2 weeks. |
| Intervention type | Supplement |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Free androgen index is measured using a blood test at baseline and 8 weeks later at visit 6. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Total body weight (kg) is measured using Marsden MS-4202L electronic scales at each patient visit, throughout the trial |
| Completion date | 01/05/2018 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Target sample size at registration | 20 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Women, aged 18-45 years (inclusive) 2. Individuals wishing to lose weight 3. Body Mass Index (BMI)≥30 kg/m2 and <45 kg/m2 4. Have a reliable form of contraception in place 5. Confirmed diagnosis of PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria 6. Willing to commit to 18 weeks of no alcohol and significant alterations to their social life e.g. eating out, holidays, and celebrations |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, Cushing’s disease and androgen-secreting tumours will be excluded by appropriate tests 2. Any concurrent illness including type 2 diabetes 3. Subjects who are on any of the following medications within 3 months of recruitment 4. Metformin or other insulin-sensitizing medications (e.g., pioglitazone). If cessation of the drug is agreed between the medics and the patient, in preparation for the trial an 8 week washout is required. 5. Hormonal contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills, hormone-releasing implants, etc.). Subjects will be advised to use barrier contraception during the study period. If cessation of the drug is agreed between the medics and the patient, in preparation for the trial a 4 week washout is required. 6. Anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide, finasteride, etc.). If cessation of the drug is agreed between the medics and the patient, in preparation for the trial a 8 week washout is required. 7. Clomiphene citrate or estrogen modulators such as letrozole 8. GnRH modulators such as leuprolide 9. Minoxidil 10. Women planning to conceive. 11. Weight loss of >5 kg within the last 6 months 12. A history of gallstones/gout ( diet may raise urate levels) 13. Substance abuse 14. Known cancer 15. Soya intolerance 16. Current treatment with anti-obesity drugs 17. Diagnosed eating disorder or purging in the last 12 months, based on patient reporting or results of EDI-3 RF questionnaire interpreted by clinical psychologist. 18. Pregnant/ considering pregnancy 19. Participants who have required hospitalisation for depression or are on antipsychotic drugs 20. Peri- or post-menopausal women 21. Lactating women 22. Lactose intolerance 23. Acute illness 24. Prescribed oral steroids or other medication that may affect appetite 25. Hospitalised subjects within 3 months of admission to the study 26. Participation in any other clinical interventional studies in the last 3 months |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/05/2017 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/11/2017 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
Brocklehurst Building
220-236 Anlaby Road
Hull
HU3 2RW
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are/will be available upon request from Thozhukat Sathyapalan (Thozhukat.Sathyapalan@hyms.ac.uk) |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | 06/09/2023 | 10/05/2024 | Yes | No | |
| Abstract results | 08/11/2021 | 18/02/2022 | No | No | |
| HRA research summary | 26/07/2023 | No | No | ||
| Participant information sheet | version V2 | 25/01/2017 | 24/04/2017 | No | Yes |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Additional files
- ISRCTN36687466_PIS_25Jan17_V2.doc
- Uploaded 24/04/2017
Editorial Notes
10/05/2024: Publication reference added.
18/02/2022: Publication reference added.
24/04/2017: The participant information sheet has been uploaded.
