Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder with prevalence of 5-10% in premenopausal women, which is identified with hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fennel supplementation with energy-restricted diets on body fat and muscle percentage and insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-four overweight/obese women with PCOS were randomly allocated to 4 groups for 12 wk as follows: (1) standard diet + fennel (SDF), (2) high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet supplemented with fennel (HPF), (3) standard diet + placebo (SDP), and (4) high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet + placebo (HPP).
Results: After 12 wk of intervention, there were significant changes in the percentage of body fat and muscle in all groups. Decreasing in fasting insulin was −4.12 micIU/ml (p = 0.01) for HPF and −4.5 micIU/ml (p = 0.03) for SDP groups. In addition, HOMA-IR significantly decreased in HPF (p = 0.02) and SDP (p = 0.02) groups.
Conclusion: Energy-restricted diets independent of dietary composition improved the body fat and muscle percentage and insulin resistance indices in women with PCOS. High-protein diet and fennel compared with standard diet and placebo had no significant effect on insulin resistance, body fat and muscle.