Can Weight Loss Treat PCOS?

It is believed that polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance, will improve if you lose weight. Learn how losing weight can treat PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone deficiency that affects many women worldwide. Hormonal changes associated with PCOS go beyond growth hormone deficiency. Insulin (the body’s hormone that regulates glucose) may be affected. This can lead to weight gain, making it difficult for women with PCOS to maintain their weight. While weight loss is often recommended as the first step of treatment, can weight loss treat PCOS?

What is polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects many women at birth. Here are the key features of PCOS found in a study published in StatsPearl Magazine in 2022.

1. Irregular menstruation

Women with PCOS often have irregular or long periods. This can make ovulation and pregnancy difficult to predict.

2. Hyperandrogenism

High levels of androgens (male hormones) can cause physical symptoms such as excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and male-pattern baldness.

3. Polycystic ovaries

The ovaries may become enlarged and many small, fluid-filled sacs (follicles) may form surrounding the eggs. However, not all women with PCOS have cysts in their ovaries.

What are the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but a 2023 study published in the Journal of Medicine showed that many factors may contribute to its development.

• Genetics – Polycystic ovary syndrome often runs in families, suggesting genetics.
• Insulin Resistance – Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to elevated insulin levels and increased androgen production.
• Hormonal Imbalances – Hormonal imbalances such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can affect ovarian function.
• Inflammation – Women with PCOS generally have lower levels of inflammation, which stimulates androgen production.

Can weight loss treat PCOS?

Weight loss can help control PCOS by addressing many of the underlying factors associated with PCOS. A study published in the Dubai Medical Journal found that people who follow an appropriate treatment plan along with lifestyle changes and metformin can be successful and achieve weight loss, thus improving PCOS symptoms. Here’s how losing weight can help women with PCOS.

1. Increases insulin sensitivity

Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance; This is a condition in which body cells do not respond well to insulin. This causes insulin in the blood to rise, which causes the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones). According to research published in the Journal of Frontiers in Endocrinology, losing weight, especially through exercise and a healthy diet, can improve insulin sensitivity, making insulin work better and reducing insulin resistance.

2. Reduces androgen levels

Insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome is closely associated with increased levels of androgens such as testosterone. Lower insulin levels due to weight loss helps in maintaining hormone balance by reducing androgen production by the ovaries and adrenal glands.

3. Irregular menstruation

Losing weight can help balance the body by reducing insulin resistance and normalizing hormones. This can increase the frequency of ovulation and increase the chances of getting pregnant in women who want to get pregnant.

4. Reduce the risk of heart disease

Women with PCOS face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels). A study published in the Journal of Frontier Endocrinology found that losing weight may improve the lipid profile (i.e., lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and reduce other risk factors for arteries.

5. Improve fertility

By encouraging regular ovulation and improving hormonal balance, weight loss may improve fertility and increase the chances of women with PCOS getting pregnant. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

6. Improve hirsutism and acne

With polycystic ovaries, too much androgen hormone can cause unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) and acne. Losing weight may help lower androgen levels and relieve these symptoms. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

7. Improve mental health

Managing symptoms through weight loss can improve the self-confidence of women with PCOS, reduces stress related to fertility issues, and improves overall quality of life.

Although weight loss may help control PCOS symptoms, it has not been proven to cure PCOS completely. To avoid complications and lose weight the right way, it’s best to talk to your doctor.

How to Lose Weight with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: 7 Helpful Tips

Here are some simple tips to help you lose weight and manage PCOS, according to experts.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Focus on a healthy diet that includes fruits (red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries), vegetables (broccoli, broccoli), whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado). Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates (processed foods and white bread), fried foods (like fast food), sugar and processed foods.

2. Exercise regularly

Aerobic activities such as walking, running, cycling and swimming can help burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, weightlifting or bodyweight exercises such as squats and push-ups can build muscle, speed up metabolism, and improve insulin sensitivity. Last but not least, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is a short period of exercise followed by a rest period, is effective at burning fat and improving health. Also aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

3. Check food portion sizes

Pay attention to size to avoid overeating. Consider using smaller plates and measuring portions. This will help you avoid overeating and lose weight.

4. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water every day. Drink at least 2-3 liters a day to help you stay hydrated. Limit soft drinks such as sodas and excessive caffeine.

5. Manage stress

Do stress-reduction exercises such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing to help you cope with stress. Also make sure you get enough sleep at night, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

6. Regular meal times

Eat regularly to keep blood sugar stable. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast.

7. Track progress

Keep a nutrition and exercise diary to track your behavior and progress. Adjust your strategies to best suit your body’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it difficult to lose weight with PCOS?

People with PCOS may have difficulty losing weight due to the hormone imbalance caused by the disease. Although this condition makes it difficult to reach and maintain an appropriate weight, lifestyle changes (such as nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep) can help.

2. What does a PCOS stomach look like?

Stomach may differ from weight gain in PCOS. Sometimes it looks like a pot belly, and you may find that most of your weight gain occurs in this area.