What science says about Atkins Diet For PCOS

The Atkins diet for PCOS is a highly debatable topic. On one hand, many medical and healthcare experts believe that the Atkins diet (low carbs diet) can help treat PCOS. Many researches and medical evidences are available to reinforce these claims. Many success stories are published as well all over the internet to support this.

On the other hand, many doctors and health experts don’t believe that the Atkins diet (low carbs diet) is appropriate for PCOS. Accordingly, they believe that this diet can treat only one aspect of this medical condition which is insulin resistance, and this is not enough to cure PCOS. 

Another argument against the low carbs diets for PCOS is that these diets remove completely an important food group which can cause malnutrition. Hence, low carbs diets are considered bad and not a healthy food regimen to follow to improve fertility.  

Opinion in favor of following the Atkins Diet (Low Carbs Diet) for PCOS

Supporters of the Atkins diet as a cure for PCOS believe that following a low-carbohydrate diet, while focusing on protein and fat is beneficial and can help in regulating insulin levels and promote weight loss. Hence, the Atkins diet is beneficial for PCOS.

Some published studies have also supported the fact that a low-carbohydrate diet like the Atkins diet has beneficial effects on PCOS.

For instance, a study titled “ The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study” showed that women with PCOS that followed a low-carb diet for 24 weeks showed significant reduction in fasting insulin levels in the blood.

Opinion against following the Atkins Diet (Low Carbs Diet) for PCOS

Meanwhile, many opponents of the Atkins diet for PCOS, do not believe that a low-carbohydrate diet is beneficial for this condition. They claim that eliminating an entire food group is not something healthy to follow and should not be recommended, especially since the long-term effects of this diet are still unknown.

Plus, they do not agree with the fact that all carbohydrates should be labeled bad, because some carbs are very healthy such as vegetables.

Opponents of the Atkins diet for PCOS also argue that even though insulin resistance plays a key role in the condition, it is only one part of the various factors affecting PCOS. Therefore, by following a low-carb diet such as the Atkins, we are only addressing one factor and not solving the entire problem.

Finally, opponents of the Atkins diet for PCOS believe that more studies and evidence are still required to better understand the long terms effects of low-carbohydrate diets, and how they might work in reversing PCOS.