New study links ketogenic diet to improved PCOS outcomes - Video

Could the ketogenic diet-a regimen known for rapid weight loss-help rebalance hormones and metabolism in women with PCOS? A new meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition suggests it might. Researchers reviewed existing studies to understand how low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diets influence metabolic, hormonal, and body composition outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age. It’s marked by irregular periods, excess male hormones, infertility, and insulin resistance—often making weight management difficult. Traditional treatment relies on exercise, lifestyle changes, and medications that target insulin metabolism. But researchers have increasingly wondered whether nutritional ketosis—the metabolic state induced by a ketogenic diet—could help restore balance by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

To test this, a global team of scientists systematically searched databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central for studies that used ketogenic diets in PCOS patients. They identified 15 relevant trials, including cohort studies and randomized controlled trials, spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The analysis pooled outcomes related to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, insulin resistance (measured by HOMA-IR), reproductive hormones like LH and FSH, and lipid profiles.

Results showed consistent benefits across many metabolic markers. Women on the ketogenic diet saw significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference compared to baseline and compared with other diets. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides dropped notably, while HDL levels rose modestly. Hormonal changes also pointed in a positive direction—luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels decreased, while insulin resistance improved substantially. Improvements were most pronounced in overweight participants, suggesting that weight loss plays a major role in these benefits.

Despite promising results, the researchers cautioned that most studies were small and short-term, often lasting just a few weeks or months. Long-term effects and adherence challenges remain unclear. Still, the findings show that when well monitored, a ketogenic diet could be a powerful option for women struggling with PCOS and related metabolic issues.

REFERENCE: Arsenaki E, Stathi D, Triantafyllidis KK, et al. (2025). The effects of ketogenic diet on polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.11.019, https://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(25)00314-0/fulltext