O-159 Prediction of weight loss and drop-out in a lifestyle intervention in women with pcos: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiskoot G , Dietz de Loos A , Timman R , Beerthuizen A , Busschbach J , Laven J 
Published: August 2021

Study question

Which patient related determinants contribute to a ≥ 5% weight loss and drop-out?

Summary answer

Participating in the lifestyle treatment and a worse body image at baseline were significantly associated with ≥5% weight loss.

What is known already

In general, three-component interventions including diet, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy have shown to be effective at the long-term to achieve weight loss. In a lifestyle program for infertile women, higher external eating behavior scores and not receiving previous support by a dietician were associated with weight loss. In a short term lifestyle program for women with PCOS, weight loss was associated with better quality of life scores and attendance of study appointments. Little has been published about the potential role of PCOS characteristics, psychological and behavioral variables on the ability to achieve weight loss in this group of women.

Study design, size, duration

The present study is a longitudinal RCT to study the effectiveness of a three component 1-year cognitive-behavioural lifestyle intervention on weight loss in overweight/obese women with PCOS. A total of 183 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) CBT provided by the multidisciplinary team or; 2) CBT provided by the multidisciplinary team and Short Message Service (SMS) or; 3) usual care: women are encouraged to lose weight through publicly available services (control group).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Women with menstrual cycle disorders are systematically screened using a standardised protocol. Data of 183 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria, a Body Mass Index above 25 kg/m² were included. All variables were measured at start and at three, six, nine and twelve months.

Main results and the role of chance

The multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression model showed that participation in the lifestyle treatment (HR 2.3, P = 0.012) and a worse body image (FNAE) (HR 0.95, P = 0.023) at baseline were significantly associated with ≥5% weight loss. Drop-out was predicted by participation in the lifestyle treatment (OR 0.2 P = 0.003), additional short message service (OR 3.7, P = 0.008), smoking (OR 0.3, P = 0.22), drinking alcohol (OR 2.4, P = 0.04), higher levels of androstenedione (OR 1.2, P = 0.047). Also, women who achieved spontaneous pregnancies were more likely to drop-out (OR 0.09, P = 0.002).

Limitations, reasons for caution

A limitation of our study is the high discontinuation rate we observed especially after 3 months of the intervention. Therefore a statistical method was chosen that included all available data even if participants dropped out during the study period.

Wider implications of the findings

A three-component lifestyle intervention program for obese women with PCOS is effective for weight loss. The group of women with a more negative body image should receive additional treatment before entering such a lifestyle intervention to achieve better results.

Trial registration number

Registered at the Netherlands National Trial Register with number NTR2450 on August 2nd, 2010.