Abstract
Background: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) use traditional medicines such as Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) to manage their symptoms. Dietary and lifestyle advice is one of the major components of Ayurveda treatment, however, it remains unexplored. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of Ayurveda clinicians regarding PCOS and excess weight, and its management through diet and lifestyle.
Methods: A qualitative methodology was implemented using online focus group discussion. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Ayurveda clinicians who fulfilled the predefined eligibility criteria were included.
Results: Ten eligible Ayurveda clinicians participated in the focus group. Five categories with relevant sub-categories were identified: characteristics of women visiting Ayurveda clinicians; Ayurveda clinical toolkit for understanding clinical presentations; Ayurveda dietary approach to managing excess weight; advice related to dietary adjustments; and advice related to eating and lifestyle behaviours. Overall, most clinicians agree that an Ayurveda dietary approach is personalized, and tailored to the health needs, primarily based on Ayurveda assessment and the clinical presentation of an individual with PCOS and excess weight. Conclusion:
Consistent with ‘Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of PCOS’ Ayurveda clinicians advocate for a cultural-specific, lifelong healthy lifestyle for optimum management of PCOS beyond weight reduction. Ayurveda lifestyle counselling provides extensive insights into holistic food and lifestyle practices that individuals may adapt to their day-to-day lives. Further research may utilize consensus methods to explore potential dietary interventions and assess their effectiveness and adaptability in women with PCOS.
Methods: A qualitative methodology was implemented using online focus group discussion. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Ayurveda clinicians who fulfilled the predefined eligibility criteria were included.
Results: Ten eligible Ayurveda clinicians participated in the focus group. Five categories with relevant sub-categories were identified: characteristics of women visiting Ayurveda clinicians; Ayurveda clinical toolkit for understanding clinical presentations; Ayurveda dietary approach to managing excess weight; advice related to dietary adjustments; and advice related to eating and lifestyle behaviours. Overall, most clinicians agree that an Ayurveda dietary approach is personalized, and tailored to the health needs, primarily based on Ayurveda assessment and the clinical presentation of an individual with PCOS and excess weight. Conclusion:
Consistent with ‘Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of PCOS’ Ayurveda clinicians advocate for a cultural-specific, lifelong healthy lifestyle for optimum management of PCOS beyond weight reduction. Ayurveda lifestyle counselling provides extensive insights into holistic food and lifestyle practices that individuals may adapt to their day-to-day lives. Further research may utilize consensus methods to explore potential dietary interventions and assess their effectiveness and adaptability in women with PCOS.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 101184 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Integrative Medicine Research |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2025 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Ayurveda
- Diet
- Focus group
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Weight management