Lilli Health: Turning Research into Real Solutions
Lilli Health was not built overnight. It was the result of years of research, clinical studies, and a relentless drive to change the way we approach insulin resistance and PCOS. But before Lilli Health became a reality, it started with a struggle—one that shaped the future of this company.
A Personal Challenge Becomes a Research Focus
Like so many others with PCOS, I spent years following the conventional advice—only to find that it was making things worse. As a registered dietitian, I knew how to follow the rules. But despite doing everything “right,” my symptoms worsened. My periods became more irregular, my skin issues persisted, and my weight kept climbing. The more I learned, the more I realized that something critical was missing from the conversation: insulin.
That realization led me down a path of scientific discovery. My doctoral dissertation focused on a novel approach to PCOS treatment—what I would later call a Low Insulin Lifestyle. Instead of just looking at calories, carbs, or weight loss, I focused on insulin itself. The results were undeniable. By prioritizing foods that kept insulin levels low, we saw significant improvements in metabolic markers, hormonal balance, and PCOS symptoms.
From Dissertation to Prestigious Research Fellowship
After earning my doctorate, I continued my research as a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded postdoctoral fellow. I knew my findings were groundbreaking, but the real test came when an independent group of reproductive endocrinologists replicated the study. Their results confirmed what I had seen firsthand—targeting insulin was the key to effectively managing PCOS. This was bigger than a single study. It was the beginning of a paradigm shift in how we understand and treat this condition.
A National Science Grant and the Birth of Lilli Health
With mounting evidence behind a Low Insulin Lifestyle, I knew it was time to take action. In 2021, my work was recognized with a National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Grant, awarded to science-backed startups with the potential to make a major impact. This grant helped bring the vision of Lilli Health to life.
Lilli Health was built on the foundation of science, research, and real-world success. It is more than a company—it is the first-ever digital platform dedicated to treating insulin resistance and PCOS at the root cause.
From a dissertation to a national grant, Lilli Health has been built on evidence, not trends. And this is just the beginning.
We are here to change the future of PCOS care—because the answers have been here all along.
Publications
- Pohlmeier AM, et al. Effect of a low-starch/low-dairy diet on fat oxidation in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014. Read more
- Phy JL, et al. Low Starch/Low Dairy Diet Results in Successful Treatment of Obesity and Co-Morbidities Linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). J Obes Weight Loss Ther. 2015. Read more
- Kishan R, et al. Spontaneous Pregnancies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Patients with a Low Starch/Low Dairy Diet: A Retrospective Case Series. J Community Med Public Health. 2022. Read more
- Jackson B, et al. Nutritional education (face-to-face and video instruction) for polycystic ovary syndrome results in greater reduction in bmi and hemoglobin a1c than caloric restriction, exercise and metformin (Abstract). Fertility and Sterility. 2022. Read more
- Rastad H, et al. Dairy consumption and its association with anthropometric measurements, blood glucose status, insulin levels, and testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024. Read more
