Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) affects millions of women worldwide. This hormonal disorder disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries, leading to a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and difficulty in losing weight. While PCOS/PCOD can be challenging to manage, there is growing evidence that embracing nature’s solutions, particularly herbal remedies, can support weight loss and restore hormonal balance. One such natural remedy gaining attention is Herbal Fixes Slimming Tea, a blend of powerful herbs specifically formulated to aid in weight loss and alleviate PCOS/PCOD symptoms.
And when women with PCOS lost weight through lifestyle changes such as eating less or increasing physical activity, a Cochrane review showed a reduction in male hormones and excess hair growth.
Given the above evidence, we could conclude that weight gain is likely to make PCOS symptoms worse.
Does PCOS cause weight gain or stop you losing weight?
Many women with PCOS say they find it very hard to lose weight, but we don’t fully understand why that is.
Women with PCOS have the same metabolic rates as women without PCOS. They eat a few more calories (about 200 kilojoules a day, or the equivalent of one cube of cheese) than women without PCOS. This could lead to putting on an extra 2-3kg over a year.
Women with PCOS may have different levels of hormones that control appetite, and the high levels of male hormones could increase cravings for high-fat foods.
But when provided with similar levels of support, women with and without PCOS lose the same amount of weight.
When provided with similar levels of support, women with and without PCOS lose the same amount of weight.
Looking beyond PCOS, all women of childbearing age seem to put on small but persistent amounts of weight. Women, on average, gain up to 600g a year from the age of 18. Women who are married or partnered, start work or have children are more likely to gain weight.
The reasons women gain weight could relate to challenges maintaining a healthy lifestyle due to lack of time, energy, motivation and supporting family and friends.
These reasons tend to be similar for women with and without PCOS. However, women with PCOS may face additional challenges as they describe ongoing stress living with PCOS symptoms such as unpredictable periods.
Women with PCOS also have higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower quality of life, all of which may compromise their ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Recent focus groups we conducted revealed women with PCOS reported “a lifetime of yo-yo dieting” with repeated cycles of weight loss followed by weight regain. Often these cycles result in an overall weight gain over the years.
What should I do if I have PCOS?
Instead of going on unsustainable diets, which could lead to weight cycling and a sense of defeat, aim for small (and therefore sustainable) changes in diet and exercise.
Find something you enjoy. Set yourself the overarching goal to maintain your weight and improve your health, whatever that is now.
Keeping track of your weight by weighing yourself regularly (say, once a week) can help. If you have regular medical appointments, having your doctor monitor your weight changes between visits can also help you maintain your weight.
If you are 25 years old now, simply holding on to your current weight would be equivalent to permanently losing more than 20kg when you are 50. We know that is next to impossible. Staying the same weight is a far more achievable goal, and just as beneficial.
Herbal Fixes, Mega Weight Loss bundle can help you achieve your weight loss goals. you will receive free PCOS diet plan which will also help in your PCOS and your weight. The weight Loss specialized diet plan that comes along with the package is easy, food friendly and will stop those untimely cravings too while treating your PCOS.