Lose Weight with PCOS: How to Eat, Exercise, and Manage Your Health
Updated: Nov 8, 2022

If you've been struggling to lose weight despite eating and exercising, you may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects between 4% and 20% of reproductive-age women (PCOS). PCOS is a syndrome that makes losing weight difficult due to hormonal abnormalities.
You are not alone if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and struggle to reduce weight. Being overweight is a problem for more than half of PCOS patients. Weight loss with PCOS is still feasible; you simply need to know how to diet and exercise properly. In this article, we'll look at ways to lose weight with PCOS by combining food and exercise. We'll also go over some health-management advice for those with PCOS.
What is PCOS, and How Does it Cause Weight Gain in Women?
PCOS is a complicated endocrine condition that primarily affects women of reproductive age. The most common signs of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles, increased male hormone (androgen) production, and insulin resistance. PCOS frequently causes weight gain, which can exacerbate the disorder's symptoms.
Furthermore, PCOS is a prominent cause of infertility among women. Unfortunately, there is still a lot we don't know about PCOS and how it affects weight loss in many ways. In a nutshell, the exact causes of PCOS are unknown, but it is assumed to be related to a hormonal imbalance.
How To Eat if You Have PCOS - The Best Foods to Eat and the Worst Foods to Avoid
While there is no cure for PCOS, dietary adjustments can help manage symptoms and lower the risk of consequences.
There are many meals that are especially good for women with PCOS. High-fiber diets like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can assist in managing blood sugar levels. Lean protein foods like chicken, fish, and tofu are also helpful since they help lose weight and stabilize insulin levels. Furthermore, having healthy fats in the diet can aid in hormone regulation and inflammation reduction. Nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil are all excellent sources of healthy fats.
However, if you have PCOS, you should avoid certain foods. White bread and spaghetti, for example, might induce blood sugar surges and lead to weight gain. you should also avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage because they are high in saturated fat and can cause inflammation. Finally, sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice should be used in moderation because they might trigger blood sugar changes.
How to Exercise if You Have PCOS - The Best Exercises For Weight Loss and Managing Your Health
We are all aware that there is currently no cure for PCOS. Making lifestyle adjustments, on the other hand, can assist in managing the symptoms and enhance your general health. Exercise is a crucial element in controlling PCOS. Exercise can aid in hormone regulation, weight loss, and insulin resistance reduction. However, not all exercises are equally beneficial to PCOS women.
Low-impact aerobic exercises are generally the best option for women with PCOS. Walking, jogging, swimming, and biking are examples of these exercises. Yoga and Pilates are also beneficial. On the other hand, avoid high-impact exercises like sprinting and jumping, as well as strength training exercises with heavy weights.
If you have PCOS and you're interested in starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor first. They can help you create a plan that's tailored to your individual needs.
Managing Your Health with PCOS - Tips for Staying on Track and Feeling Good About Yourself
Here are some tips for managing your health with PCOS:
#1 See your doctor regularly. This will help you stay on top of your symptoms and make any necessary lifestyle or treatment changes.
#2 Eat a healthy diet. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats.
#3 Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, and promote weight loss. All of these things can help to improve the symptoms of PCOS.
#4 Reduce stress. Stress can aggravate the symptoms of PCOS, so it's essential to find ways to relax and de-stress. Taking regular breaks throughout the day, practicing yoga or meditation, and spending time with friends or loved ones can all help to reduce stress levels.
If you have PCOS, it's important to work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that works for you. These tips can help you to manage your health better and feel good about yourself despite having this condition.
The Bottom Line
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can affect women of childbearing age. The symptoms of PCOS can vary, but they often include irregular periods, excess hair growth, and weight gain. While there is no cure for PCOS, making lifestyle changes can help to manage the symptoms and improve your overall health. Exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction are all essential parts of managing PCOS. If you have PCOS, work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Finally, we wrote this article to familiarize you with PCOS and how to manage it. However, please do not take our blog as expert advice; always see your doctor before engaging in any activity or changing your lifestyle.
On this site, you can learn more about ways how to maintain your ideal weight.