Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and reproductive dysfunction. Dietary strategies that improve postprandial insulin and glucose responses are central to managing metabolic symptoms in PCOS. Meals higher in protein can attenuate postprandial glycemia and enhance satiety, but the effects may vary by protein source. Animal sources of protein typically have higher essential amino acid content and insulinogenic potential, whereas plant proteins offer fiber and phytochemicals that may influence glycemic dynamics differently. Few studies have directly compared the acute metabolic effects of plant versus animal protein in women with PCOS. Given the distinct pathophysiology of PCOS, extrapolating findings from healthy populations may be misleading. Understanding protein-specific effects on postprandial insulin, glucose, and appetite-regulating hormones in this group is essential for targeted nutrition guidance. Additionally, plant-based diets are increasingly promoted for cardiometabolic health, but their acute effects in insulin-resistant women remain underexplored. This study will assess whether plant and animal protein meals elicit differential postprandial responses in women with PCOS. Findings may inform dietary recommendations aimed at improving metabolic outcomes in this high-risk population.
The goal of this three-arm randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of two podcast-based interventions -- a podcast with an accompanying journal and the same podcast without a journal -- which aim to improve body confidence among millennial-aged women (29-44 years of age) in the United Kingdom. A total of 1800 women in the UK (29-44 years), who are podcast listeners, will be recruited by a research agency. Participants will be randomised to one of three groups: body confidence podcast episode with journal; body confidence podcast episode alone; a non-body confidence-related podcast episode from the same series as the intervention podcast. The research aims are to determine the following: 1. Are the two versions of the intervention (i.e., podcast with and without a journal) effective in improving appearance esteem (primary outcome), internalisation of appearance ideals, self-objectification, and weight esteem among UK-based women (i) 1 day post-intervention and (ii) 1 week post-intervention, compared to a control podcast? 2. Are the two interventions (i.e., podcast with and without a journal) effective in generating immediate change in state body satisfaction and state mood, compared to a control podcast? 3. Are the two versions of the intervention acceptable to women?
In postmenopausal women, obesity increases the risk of physical function decline, premature aging, and vascular dysfunction. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are potent obesity medications. The goal is to determine the effect of weight loss induced by the new generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists on physical function, aging biomarkers, and vascular function in postmenopausal women with obesity.
CROWN is a two-arm, cluster-randomized pilot trial testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a salon-based cardiovascular intervention - training stylists as Heart Health Stylists to conduct in-salon blood pressure screenings, home monitoring with telehealth support, community health-worker coaching, and pharmacist-led medication management - among Black and Hispanic women with hypertension.
This clinical trial will assess the acceptability and feasibility of a peer-supported behavioral physical activity intervention for women living with HIV and Hypertension.
The investigators will measure plasma concentrations of the hormones insulin and testosterone as well as measures of insulin sensitivity in women with overweight or obesity who have insulin resistance (IR). Women who meet these criteria that also have elevated total or free testosterone will be eligible to participate in the diet intervention. The dietary intervention is designed to produce a 5% reduction in starting body weight to test whether weight loss will acutely lower fasting insulin and testosterone concentrations.
The investigators are assessing how seasonal changes affect kidney function biomarkers in post-menopausal women, an understudied group. While heat stress can reduce kidney function, previous research has not accounted for physical activity, diet, hydration, or sun exposure.
Women with HIV have an increased risk of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) as compared to women without HIV. One of the mechanisms underlying the increased risk of myocardial infarction among women with HIV may involve reduced ability to increase blood flow through large and small coronary arteries at times when increased flow of oxygen-carrying blood is needed. We are conducting a study randomizing women with HIV and either diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or both to health education alone or to health education plus referral to see either an Endocrinologist or a Nephrologist in a subspecialty clinic for consideration of treatment with medication in a class known as sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors are clinically approved for use in patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease but have been shown to be underutilized in people with HIV. One of our key analytic aims will be to test if SGLT2 inhibitor therapy results in improved blood flow through the large and small coronary arteries among women with HIV and either diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or both but who have no history of myocardial infarction. A second aim will be to test if subspecialty clinic referral (with or without SGLT2 inhibitor therapy prescription) results in improved blood flow through the large and small coronary arteries among the same group.
Many studies have consistently shown that females across sports under consume carbohydrate. Registered dietitians working with athletes have also reported female athletes chronically under consume carbohydrate. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of education versus education plus interpreted individual metabolic (exercise) testing results to change attitudes and beliefs of female athletes regarding carbohydrate intake. The secondary objective is to assess the effectiveness of the education alone on attitudes and beliefs towards consuming carbohydrate in female athletes. The study hypothesis is that education alone will not significantly impact attitudes and beliefs, and that metabolic testing and the interpretation of the individual results will alter attitudes and beliefs toward carbohydrate intake.
The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to determine the efficacy of a 6 week dance fitness intervention has on reducing objective, physiological stress in women between the ages of 30 and 60. It will also learn about its ability to improve mental and psychological health outcomes. The main questions is aims to answer is : 1) To what extent can a 6-week dance fitness intervention improve the health of women? 2) Are intervention effects sustained 4 weeks after the intervention has ended? Researchers will compare the intervention condition to a waitlist control condition. Participants will: 1) complete baseline assessments, 2) complete a six week dance fitness program or complete their usual routine for six weeks, 3) complete immediate post-intervention assessments, and 4) complete follow-up assessments four weeks after the post-intervention assessments.