Fasting or lifting weights: which works better for PCOS?

NCT ID NCT06882291

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compared two lifestyle approaches—intermittent fasting (eating only during an 8-hour window) and resistive exercise (like weight training)—for improving insulin resistance in 72 obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The goal was to see which method is more effective. Participants were followed for 8 weeks, and researchers measured changes in insulin resistance and waist size.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Intermittent fasting diet and resistive exercise program

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that intermittent fasting or resistive exercise is a practical way to improve insulin resistance in obese women with PCOS, potentially guiding future lifestyle-based treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 72 participants, so results may not apply to all women with PCOS. Also, lifestyle interventions can be hard to maintain long-term.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

polycystic ovary syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mashtoul Elsouq general Hospital

    ‘Ezbet el-Sharika el-Miṣrîya, Egypt