Lifestyle interventions for sarcopenic obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is characterized by a combination of hyperandrogenism, ovulation dysfunction, and/or polycystic ovarian morphology. Low muscle mass relative to fat mass, described as "sarcopenic obesity, " is a condition which leads to metabolic disorders to a greater degree than either sarcopenia or obesity alone. About 58% of women with PCOS have sarcopenic obesity; this may contribute the high degree of metabolic disorders (i.e., hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia). Diets designed to improve risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease (DASH, Mediterranean, Portfolio, low-glycemic index, low-carbohydrate diets), as well as supplements (vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, carnitine) have potential to be effective for women with PCOS. Low-moderate intensity aerobic training or high-intensity interval training combined with resistance training improves metabolic aberrations as well. Women with PCOS should be offered a wide variety of effective interventions to choose from since adherence to any one intervention tends to be low.