THE EFFECTS OF FLAXSEED ON WEIGHT LOSS AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INCIDENTS IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of flaxseed consumption in improving weight loss and altering anthropometric incidents in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our hypothesis was that the high fiber and α-linolenic (ALA) contents of flaxseed would decrease weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and fat mass so it would improve PCOS. Methods: 62 patients between the ages of 20 and 40 years completed this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Subjects were randomly assigned to flaxseed and placebo groups; they should use 15 grams of flaxseed or placebo daily for12 weeks. Subjects completing pre and post study measures included body mass and composition.Results: Consumption of 15 g/d flaxseed for 12 weeks by overweight or obese women with PCOS significantly decreased the mean change of BMI (p-value= 0.04) and in regards of weight, the reduction was marginally significant (p-value=0.05). But there was no significant differences in the mean change of waist circumference, percentage of body fat, muscle and visceral fat.Conclusion: These findings represented that flaxseed supplementation could reduce BMI and weight but other factors did not change significantly. Further studies are needed to show that flaxseed can be used as a supplement for weight loss in PCOS.

Keywords:

PCOS , BMI