Women with PCOS (a common hormone condition) often struggle with weight gain and other symptoms. This study asked 17 experts in Ayurveda and yoga what they thought were the most important parts of a program combining Ayurvedic diet and yoga for weight management in PCOS. The experts agreed that combining both approaches together works better than doing just one. They also agreed on important details like how often to practice, who should teach it, and what should be included in the program. This research is a first step toward creating a standard program that doctors and patients can use.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What are the most important parts of a program that combines Ayurvedic diet and yoga exercises to help women with PCOS lose weight and feel better?
  • Who participated: 17 experts who specialize in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) and yoga completed the first round, and 16 completed the second round. These were experienced professionals with real knowledge in these fields.
  • Key finding: Experts strongly agreed (75% or more) that combining Ayurvedic diet AND yoga together works better for weight management than doing either one alone. They also reached agreement on specific details about how the program should be structured, who should teach it, and what exercises and diet changes to include.
  • What it means for you: If you have PCOS and are interested in trying Ayurveda and yoga, this research suggests doing both together may be more helpful than trying just one approach. However, more research is needed to prove this actually works in real life before making major changes to your health routine.

The Research Details

This study used a special method called the Delphi method, which is designed to get experts to agree on important topics. The researchers asked 17 experts in Ayurveda and yoga two rounds of questions about what should be included in a weight management program for PCOS. In the first round, experts answered multiple-choice and open-ended questions to suggest what they thought were the most important parts. The researchers then took the answers and created a second round of questions based on what experts said. In the second round, experts voted on whether they agreed with different statements. If 75% or more of experts agreed with something, it was considered “consensus” or agreement.

This approach is useful because it brings together the knowledge of many experienced people without them having to meet in person. It helps find common ground among experts who might have different opinions. The study was done completely online, making it easier for experts from different places to participate.

Before doctors can recommend a treatment, they need to know what the best version of that treatment looks like. Many studies on Ayurveda and yoga for PCOS use different approaches, making it hard to compare results. This study creates a standard framework that future research can follow, which will help scientists better understand if these approaches actually work.

This study is a first step in developing treatment guidelines, not a test of whether the treatment works. The experts who participated were experienced and qualified, which is good. However, the study only included 17 experts, which is a relatively small group. The results show what experts think should be included, but this still needs to be tested with actual patients to see if it really helps with weight loss and PCOS symptoms.

What the Results Show

The strongest finding was that all experts agreed combining Ayurvedic diet and yoga together would be more effective than using either approach alone. This was the most consistent agreement across all experts surveyed.

Experts also reached strong agreement on several specific details: the program should include specific yoga poses and breathing exercises, dietary changes based on Ayurvedic principles, and guidance from qualified teachers. They agreed on how often people should practice (frequency and duration) and where the program should take place.

The experts were clear about who should teach these programs—they should be trained professionals with proper credentials in both Ayurveda and yoga. They also agreed that the approach should be personalized, meaning the program should be adjusted based on each person’s individual needs and body type according to Ayurvedic principles.

The study identified specific components that should be measured to see if the program is working, such as weight loss, hormone levels, and how people feel overall.

Experts agreed that the program should include education about lifestyle changes, not just exercises and diet. They felt that helping people understand why they’re making changes is important. There was also agreement that the program should address emotional and mental health aspects, not just physical weight loss, since stress and mood can affect PCOS symptoms.

Previous studies on Ayurveda and yoga for PCOS have used many different approaches, making it hard to compare results. This study is the first to bring experts together to create a standard framework. It builds on the fact that many women with PCOS already use these approaches and report feeling better, but there hasn’t been a clear, agreed-upon way to deliver these treatments in research studies.

This study asked experts what they think should be included in a program, but it didn’t actually test the program with real patients. The group of experts was relatively small (17 people), so it might not represent all perspectives in these fields. The study focused on experts’ opinions rather than scientific evidence, though these experts do have real-world experience. Most importantly, just because experts agree something should work doesn’t mean it will actually help patients lose weight or improve PCOS symptoms—that still needs to be tested in future studies.

The Bottom Line

If you have PCOS and are interested in trying Ayurveda and yoga, this research suggests combining both approaches may be better than trying just one. Look for qualified teachers with proper training in both areas. However, this should not replace medical care from your doctor. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new program, especially if you’re taking medications for PCOS. The confidence level here is moderate—experts agree this makes sense, but we still need studies with actual patients to confirm it works.

This research is most relevant for women with PCOS who are interested in traditional or complementary approaches to weight management. It may also interest healthcare providers who work with PCOS patients and want to understand what a well-designed Ayurveda and yoga program should include. This is NOT a replacement for medical treatment, and people with PCOS should continue working with their doctors.

This research doesn’t tell us how long it takes to see results because it didn’t test the program with patients yet. Based on other weight management programs, you might expect to see some changes in 8-12 weeks, but this is an estimate. Real results will depend on how consistently you follow the program and your individual body.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly: (1) Number of yoga sessions completed, (2) Adherence to Ayurvedic diet recommendations (percentage of meals following guidelines), (3) Weight or waist measurement, (4) Energy levels and symptom severity (1-10 scale). This creates a complete picture of program engagement and potential benefits.
  • Set a specific goal like ‘Complete 3 yoga sessions per week + follow Ayurvedic meal guidelines for 5 out of 7 days.’ Use the app to schedule sessions, get reminders, and log which Ayurvedic diet principles you followed each day. This combines both elements the experts said work best together.
  • Use the app to track trends over 12 weeks. Set monthly check-ins to review: Are you doing the yoga consistently? Are you following the diet? How do you feel? Are there any changes in weight or symptoms? This helps you see if the combined approach is working for your body and adjust as needed.

This research describes what experts think should be included in an Ayurveda and yoga program for PCOS, but it has not yet been tested with patients. This information is educational and should not replace medical advice from your doctor. PCOS is a medical condition that requires professional healthcare. Before starting any new diet, exercise program, or complementary therapy, especially if you take medications for PCOS or other conditions, consult with your healthcare provider. Results may vary greatly between individuals, and what works for one person may not work for another.