Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy in the Management of Patients with Obesity and Endometriosis: from the Mediterranean Diet To the Ketogenic Diet, Through Supplementation. The Role of the Nutritionist in Clinical Management.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed to summarize current evidence on the effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in the management of obesity and endometriosis, with a focus on dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean and Ketogenic diets, as well as nutritional supplementation. Additionally, it highlights the central role of the clinical nutritionist in implementing individualized, evidence-based interventions within multidisciplinary care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the literature reports the existence of an inverse relationship between risk of endometriosis and body mass index, clinical evidence jointly reports that a condition of obesity is associated with greater disease severity. This, therefore, implies the need to identify the different phenotypes of patients with endometriosis at which to target a precision MNT. Several dietary patterns and supplements have been investigated for their role in endometriosis management. The Mediterranean diet-rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants-has been associated with decreased pain and improved quality of life. More recently, ketogenic diets have shown potential in modulating insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways, though clinical evidence remains limited. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol, vitamins C and E, and probiotics has demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, attention is being directed toward the gut microbiota and its interaction with the immune and endocrine systems in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue, estrogen dependence, and persistent inflammation. It affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with pelvic pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life. While conventional treatment focuses on hormonal therapy and surgery, MNT is emerging as a non-invasive, supportive approach. Nutritional interventions can target key pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis, such as systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalance, offering potential symptom relief and improved clinical outcomes.