To Study the Efficacy of Probiotic Supplementation on Obesity, Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder of reproductive-age women characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia are central features contributing to long-term cardiometabolic risk. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may modulate the gut-metabolic axis and improve metabolic dysfunction in PCOS. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation on obesity parameters, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective interventional study (n = 90) was conducted at a tertiary care center from June 2024 to December 2025. Women aged 18-40 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria were included. Participants received a daily multistrain probiotic capsule for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumference) and biochemical indices (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and lipid profile) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Ninety women completed the study. Statistically significant reductions (P < 0.001) were observed in weight (-2.75 kg), BMI (-1.16 kg/m2), waist circumference (-2.10 cm), and hip circumference (-2.27 cm) (P < 0.001 for all). Total cholesterol (-12.13 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein (-3.80 mg/dL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (-2.27 mg/dL) decreased significantly, while high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides showed no significant change. Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation was associated with statistically significant reductions (P < 0.001) in obesity indices, atherogenic lipid fractions, and insulin resistance markers in women with PCOS, suggesting a potential adjunctive role in metabolic management.