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PCOS And Weight Loss: What’s The Connection?
PCOS and weight loss are one of the most talked-about topics ever since. There are several instances where women gain weight due to PCOS. But for every patient with PCOS, losing weight can be a big struggle at times. The syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women which develops in the childbearing or reproductive age. It may lead to an issue, called infertility. There are higher levels of male hormones present in women with PCOS. They are less sensitive towards insulin and become overweight with time. Consequently, these women are at a higher risk of developing various chronic conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, uterine cancer, and heart diseases.
Why do people with PCOS experience weight gain?
Having PCOS means that the body is not able to reduce insulin adequately. It converts into sugars and starches to extract energy. This condition is called insulin resistance and it is one of the leading reasons for the development of glucose in the bloodstream. Male hormones, called androgens in the bloodstream may increase the levels of insulin in the body. This may come out as body hair growth, acne, and irregular periods. Consequently, it contributes to excessive weight gain in the patient. Because weight gain is characterized by male hormones it generally appears in the abdominal region of the body.
The fat in the abdominal region is one of the most dangerous types of fats. It can bring a lot of diseases, like cardiovascular disorders, heart strokes, and many more.
Irrespective of the cause of the same syndrome, weight gain can be one of the chronic health conditions that may appear.
Women with PCOS are more likely to develop other problems which are associated with excessive weight gain. Some of them are listed in the given points:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Inability to reproduce or infertility
- Endometrial cancer
- High blood pressure
Note that all the aforementioned conditions directly lead to heart diseases. There are other complications that come along with weight gain and trigger the symptoms of PCOS like menstrual abnormalities and acne.
Important Steps To Lose Weight In PCOS
Losing weight not only cuts on various complexities of the syndrome, but also it helps you to feel better about yourself. Experts say that losing just 5% of your total weight can bring a considerable difference in your health. The most prevalent benefit of losing weight is that it brings back the periods and ovulation cycle to normal.
Some steps have been accommodated in the given points for you to refer to if you want to lose weight:
- You need to start with a visit to the doctor. He is the only person who can understand your body requirements and give you the best advice on your diet.
- He will examine you on the basis of your waist size and body mass index.
- The doctor may also prescribe you medication, which may include birth control pills and anti-androgen medicines to control the complications of PCOS.
- He can also prescribe you to take Metformin to make the body capable enough to use insulin more efficiently.
Hence, this is how you can start your journey towards losing weight if you have PCOS and are very much prone to develop other complications.
Dietary Changes That One Should Make To Lose Weight
In addition to the medications that the doctor prescribes, one should follow some healthy habits and dietary changes. This is so because diet can be directly associated with any organ of the body and affect its mechanism in both positive and negative manners.
Furthermore, in the below mentioned few points, you can find out certain changes that can lead you towards success in your journey to lose weight.
- You must consume a high fiber diet that is low in sugar content. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet along with whole grains.
- You must also avoid fatty foods to optimize your blood sugar level. If you are facing difficulties in optimizing your diet, you can take help from a doctor or a nutritionist.
- You need to eat 4 to 6 meals in a day and they can be smaller in size as compared to 3 big meals.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and if you cannot practice it every day at least do it on all the weekdays.
- You need to work with your doctor to keep track of your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- If you take alcohol or smoke, then you can try any program which can help you out in quitting.
These are few dietary changes that you need to make if you are suffering from PCOS and want to lose weight.
A Word From Mantra Care
Contact Mantra Care for assistance on PCOS-related problems and their solutions. Their team of experts will be more than happy to help you develop a personalized Women Wellness Program, Online PCOS program that addresses your specific needs.
