KatCarney

Exercise and body image distress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot investigation.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present pilot study were to: (1) examine the prevalence of body image distress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); (2) assess the effects of a low-cost intervention in the form of a self-directed brisk walking program on body image distress; and (3) assess the level of participation, the feasibility of a larger study and the sample size required.

METHODS: This was an observational study whereby volunteers acted as their own control. Thirty-five women with PCOS (mean age 29.26 +/- 7.57 years) with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m(2) volunteered for the study. Twenty-three returned six months later for reassessment. Of these, 12 completed the exercise program (completers) and 11 did not (non-completers). Pre and post assessments comprised the exercise tolerance test, the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination - Self-Report (BDDE-SR), a questionnaire on self-perceived hirsutism and dietary and activity records.

RESULTS: Distress with body size was highly prevalent for the overall sample. However, completers had significantly higher BDDE-SR scores at baseline compared with non-completers (p < 0.005). Pre and post assessments showed a significant reduction in body image distress only for completers (p < 0.01) despite no significant change in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS: A self-directed walking program is a low-cost intervention that can have psychological benefits for overweight women with PCOS. Specific recommendations for a randomized study are put forward

SOURCE:

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2008 Oct;24(10):555-61.
Liao LM, Nesic J, Chadwick PM, Brooke-Wavell K, Prelevic GM.
Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.

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