Consume a high-fibre diet Studies have found that a high-fibre diet can lead to lower insulin resistance and lower total body fat and belly fat in women with PCOS.
But, that doesn't mean that you have to quit your hopes of having a flat stomach, you can still lose your belly fat when you have PCOS. All you need to do is maintain a healthy lifestyle routine & proper dietary pattern.
Like any other syndrome, PCOS can involve a variety of different symptoms. One of the more common ones is abdominal weight gain, which is often referred to as the “PCOS belly.” A PCOS belly is the result of PCOS-related weight gain and may be caused by different factors.
For women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), losing weight can help ease symptoms and regulate your periods. But with PCOS, weight loss is often difficult. One reason is that PCOS can cause your body to make too much insulin, which leads to a build-up of fat. More than half of the people with PCOS are overweight.
PCOS is often linked to increased levels of abdominal fat, giving the appearance of having a big belly. PCOS causes a variety of hormonal changes that predispose women toward having their excess body fat deposited in the abdomen (including around the internal organs) rather than on the hips or thighs.
Insulin resistance is thought to be responsible for the hormonal and metabolic derangements observed. PCOS has two phenotypes, overweight/obese and lean, the latter being a much less common presentation of the syndrome.
Losing weight is challenging with PCOS, but not impossible. It may take you longer to lose weight than someone without hormonal imbalances. While slow progress can feel discouraging, a healthy lifestyle has benefits you may not notice right away.
Lea Michele
The Glee star has opened up about being diagnosed with PCOS after experiencing severe acne and fluctuating weight. “The side effects [of PCOS] can be brutal — like weight gain and bad skin,” Lea shared with Health. “I went to a great doctor, and the minute she looked at me, she was like, 'Oh, you have PCOS.
As previously stated, the shape of a PCOS belly differs from other types of weight gain. It often appears large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genetics and other factors. The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch.
Overall, a combination of lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, is key to reducing hormonal belly fat effectively. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy or body shaping procedures may also be considered.
As mentioned earlier, a PCOS belly shape differs from other weight gain types. It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch.
While there is no cure for PCOS, a healthy diet can help promote weight loss, lower your blood glucose levels and improve high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Women with PCOS have higher levels of male hormones and many tend to be overweight or obese. Lots of women with PCOS have excess body hair, acne, irregular periods, and weight gain specifically in the abdomen. Instead of the traditional female pear shape, those with PCOS tend to have an apple shape.
While these effects can benefit both men and women, intermittent fasting may be an especially useful dietary strategy for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (commonly known as PCOS). Intermittent fasting for PCOS can reduce symptoms and improve fertility and other quality-of-life outcomes.
High levels of caffeine have been said to make your PCOS symptoms worse by: Increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which raises insulin, which suppresses progesterone production. Increasing sugar cravings (when you're on a low after having a caffeinated coffee earlier, you often crave a sugar boost).
You are born with PCOS, but symptoms often start during puberty although for some people this can be later, up to their early twenties. There are lots of different symptoms that can be caused by PCOS.
However, obesity is an independent and stronger risk factor, as compared to PCOS. In order to reduce the risk of MBS and the long-term health consequences which may be related to it, lifestyle modification is advisable above a BMI of 23 kg/m2 in the normal population and 22.5 kg/m2 in women with PCOS.
An energy deficit of about 30%, or 500-750 calories a day for a total energy intake of around 1200-1500cal/day, could be prescribed, ensuring an individualised, and nutritionally balanced diet based on healthy eating principles.
Regarding the former, obesity or overweight affects between 38 and 88% of women with PCOS. Based on data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, weight-gain (particularly in early adulthood) is important for the subsequent development of PCOS.
Saxenda® is a prescription injectable medicine that is FDA-approved for weight loss. Research has shown that higher doses of drugs like Saxenda® for at least 20 weeks leads to weight loss in obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes.
Opting for healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of PCOS or manage its symptoms. Meanwhile, it is best to avoid highly processed foods and those containing high levels of fat, added sugar, and salt.