Among overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome participating in a lifestyle intervention program, 61% dropped out within one year, with baseline physical activity level being the strongest predictor of adherence.
- 61% of overweight women with PCOS dropped out of a lifestyle intervention program within one year
- Higher baseline physical activity levels strongly predicted better adherence to the program
- Each 0.3-unit increase in physical activity level reduced dropout likelihood by nearly 30%
How this compares to prior research
Lifestyle interventions are a cornerstone of PCOS management for overweight women, but adherence remains a significant challenge. While previous research has documented high dropout rates in weight management programs, specific predictors of dropout in PCOS populations have been poorly understood. This study is among the first to identify baseline physical activity level as a key predictor, suggesting that pre-intervention screening could help identify women at higher risk of non-adherence.
Obesity prevalence trends, global population, 1980–1989
Key findings
- 61.06% of participants dropped out within one year of starting the lifestyle intervention program
- Baseline physical activity level measured by accelerometer was the strongest predictor of dropout, with each 0.3-unit increase associated with a 29.6% reduction in dropout likelihood
- No significant differences in demographic, clinical, biochemical, psychological, or dietary characteristics were found between those who completed the program and those who dropped out
What this means in practice
- Ask your doctor to assess your physical activity level before starting a PCOS lifestyle program to identify if you need extra support
- Consider requesting personalized adherence strategies if you have low baseline physical activity levels
- Recognize that lower physical activity at program start may increase dropout risk and plan accordingly with your healthcare team
Frequently asked questions
What is the dropout rate for PCOS lifestyle programs?
This study found that 61% of overweight women with PCOS dropped out within one year of starting a lifestyle intervention program combining medication and structured lifestyle changes.
What predicts whether someone will stick with a PCOS treatment program?
Baseline physical activity level was the strongest predictor. Women who were more physically active at the start were significantly more likely to complete the program.
How much does physical activity affect program completion?
Each 0.3-unit increase in physical activity level reduced the likelihood of dropping out by 29.6%, making it a strong predictor of adherence.
Key terms explained
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age causing irregular periods, excess androgen, and ovarian cysts
Physical activity level (PAL)
An objective measure of daily physical activity intensity and duration, typically measured using an accelerometer device
Cyclic progestin
A synthetic hormone given periodically to regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS
Source: Determinants of dropout from lifestyle interventions for overweight polycystic ovary syndrome: An exploratory analysis of randomized controlled trial. · DOI: doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351575