Looking For Something? Search Our Site Here!
Patients struggling with PCOS and weight can find hope at Texas Fertility Center
When patients visit our Austin PCOS doctors, they’ve often typed “weight loss for PCOS” into Google. It makes sense because there is a strong link between PCOS and weight issues. It can be frustrating to see the numbers on the scale creep up even when taking steps to lose weight. While it can be harder to drop the pounds with polycystic ovary syndrome, it’s not impossible, and our team can help make it happen.
PCOS
Why is weight loss for PCOS so hard?
It’s a vicious cycle when it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome and weight. Women with PCOS are more likely to have excess weight, while excess weight worsens the symptoms of the condition. For this reason, more than 50% of patients with PCOS are overweight.
Many women with this condition feel weight loss for PCOS is impossible. They are eating very restrictive diets and exercising all the time, but the weight just won’t come off. It is not because they are lazy or not working hard enough. Quite the opposite, actually. Women with PCOS have to contend with their diagnosis and often have to work harder to achieve the same results as their friends without PCOS.
Patients often ask our Austin PCOS doctors why there’s a link between PCOS and weight. It all relates to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. After eating, the glucose in the blood increases. This triggers the release of insulin. Insulin then tells the cells to let in the glucose to use it for energy.
With PCOS, insulin does not work as effectively, so the body makes more of it. Elevated levels of insulin tell the body to store more fat, which leads to weight gain, often in the midsection. Insulin also stimulates appetite and can cause cravings, especially for sugary foods. The result is often eating excessive calories, and again, weight gain. Higher body fat leads to higher testosterone, which worsens other PCOS symptoms like acne and unwanted hair growth.
What are tips for the management of PCOS and weight issues?
Fortunately, weight loss for PCOS is possible. Our Austin PCOS doctors find that lifestyle modifications can be very effective. Dr. Kaye loves working with patients to develop personalized diet and exercise plans targeted to lower insulin levels and bring hormones back into balance. In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements and prescription medications can help patients achieve weight loss goals.
If you’re ready to end the vicious cycle of PCOS and weight issues, our team can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take control of your health.
