Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders that affects women of reproductive age. It is estimated that up to 15% of women and people assigned female at birth of reproductive age have PCOS, and yet many women are still not aware of it.
Among the many symptoms of PCOS is weight gain or difficulty in losing weight, which can be distressing and frustrating for affected women.
Let’s explore PCOS, its impact on weight loss, and where you can go for effective weight management services.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries. It is caused by imbalances in the female reproductive hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Women with PCOS have many small cysts on their ovaries, which can cause menstrual irregularities, fertility problems, and other health issues.
The exact cause of PCOS remains a mystery to medical science. However, there’s a consensus that genetics may play a significant role. Other factors like obesity can also contribute to the development of this syndrome.
How Does PCOS Affect Weight Loss?
One of the common symptoms of PCOS is weight gain or difficulty losing weight, affecting between 40% and 80% of people. But why does this happen? Let’s find out!
Insulin Resistance
Insulin plays a key role in our bodies. It helps to convert sugar from food into energy that our cells can use. However, in many women with PCOS, there’s a phenomenon known as insulin resistance. This means their bodies aren’t able to use insulin efficiently.
As a result, the body needs more insulin than usual to help glucose enter cells. This increase in insulin production can have several unwanted effects. High insulin levels stimulate the body to store more fat, particularly around the waist.
Additionally, high insulin levels can signal the ovaries to produce more male hormones called androgen, which can also contribute to weight gain.
In essence, insulin resistance creates a vicious cycle of weight gain and further insulin resistance, making it exceedingly difficult for women with PCOS to lose weight.
Metabolism Issues
Metabolism refers to how your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. In the case of women with PCOS, research suggests that they often have a slower metabolism compared to those without the condition. This means they burn fewer calories even when at rest.
A slower metabolism can lead to an excess of unused calories, which the body then stores as fat, contributing to weight gain. This metabolic difference further complicates the process of weight loss for women dealing with PCOS.
Food Cravings
Another aspect of PCOS that can affect weight is the presence of intense food cravings. Elevated insulin levels cause low blood sugar levels, resulting in intense cravings for sugary foods or carbohydrates, which can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Giving in to these cravings can lead to a higher intake of calories, culminating in weight gain. It also spikes the blood sugar levels again, leading to more insulin production and continuing the cycle of cravings.
Impairment in the Level of Appetite Regulating Hormones
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect certain hormones that control hunger and the feeling of being full. These hormones are ghrelin, cholecystokinin, and leptin. When these hormones are not working correctly, they can throw off your body’s hunger signals.
- Ghrelin: This hormone tells your brain when it’s time to eat. In people with PCOS, ghrelin levels may be higher than normal, making them feel hungry more often.
- Cholecystokinin: This hormone helps you feel full after eating. If this hormone isn’t working properly, you might not feel satisfied after a meal and end up eating more.
- Leptin: Leptin also helps control your appetite. It tells your brain when you have enough fat stored so you don’t need to eat. If your body isn’t responding well to leptin, you might feel hungry even when you don’t need to eat.
In simple terms, if these hormones aren’t balanced, you could feel hungry more often and eat more than you need to, leading to weight gain.
PCOS for Weight Loss Near Me
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition that can contribute to weight gain and make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight. But you’re not alone in this journey; your weight doesn’t define your health or worth.
At Advanced Weight Loss Clinic, we understand your unique challenges and are here to support you every step of the way. Our comprehensive, physician-supervised approach to weight loss can help reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms and improve overall health outcomes.
We consider your individual needs and current lifestyle to provide a personalized weight management plan, including personalized diet plans, exercise programs, lifestyle modifications, or cutting-edge treatments, such as weight loss injections or supplements.
To learn more about us or to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call Advanced Weight Loss Clinic today at (704) 817-4355 or use our convenient and secure online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
