Eight-Hour Time-Restricted Feeding: A Strong Candidate Diet Protocol for First-Line Therapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-week program of 8 h time-restricted feeding (TRF) diet in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as determined by anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic profiles, and fecal calprotectin level. Thirty women diagnosed with PCOS underwent a 6-week 8 h TRF diet intervention. Age, anthropometric features (body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) and biochemical results were recorded. Free androgen index (FAI, defining hyperandrogenism) and the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Baseline (pre-diet) and 6-week post-diet findings were compared. Mean age was 25.57 ± 2.67 years. BMI (p < 0.001) and WHR (p = 0.001) were found to have significantly decreased after the diet, as well as the percentage of patients defined to have hyperandrogenism (p = 0.016). Reproductive hormone levels, FAI (p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) were improved significantly. Metabolic parameters associated with glucose and lipid profiles were also significantly improved after the diet. Additionally, fecal calprotectin levels demonstrated a significant decrease from pre-diet to post-diet (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a 6-week diet intervention with 8 h TRF may be a suitable and effective intermittent fasting protocol that can be used as a first-line option in PCOS.