Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where monthly ovulation in a woman’s cycle doesn’t occur or occurs infrequently.
Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS and the condition is also often linked with insulin resistance.
The hormone insulin controls blood sugar but if your body resists insulin and doesn’t allow it to do its job, the pancreas makes extra insulin to compensate. High levels of insulin can cause ovaries to produce too much testosterone which interferes with ovulation.
Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, which, in turn, aggravates PCOS symptoms, as having excess fat causes the body to produce even more insulin.
Insulin resistance, other hormonal imbalances and inflammation related to this condition make it difficult for women with PCOS to shed weight.
However, even a small weight loss of approximately 5% can improve insulin resistance, hormone levels, menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall quality of life in women with PCOS.
It can feel like a never-ending battle and a vicious circle of “weight gain-worsened symptoms-more weight gain” but, with the right support and plan, it is possible for women with PCOS to improve their symptoms and lose weight (and vice versa!).
The truth is that losing weight can be more of a struggle for women with PCOS. However, the right guidance, knowledge and support framework can absolutely help with fat loss / weight loss goals. Read about how my client Anthea lost weight and managed PCOS symptoms through working with me.
If you have PCOS and struggle to lose weight, email me with the words “PCOS Help” to receive my free guide to losing weight with PCOS and let’s talk about working together to put in place a supportive but results-focused plan to shed the excess weight and improve symptoms of PCOS.