Before delving into the reasons and symptoms, as well as the best ways to reduce weight, it's critical to dispel any myths about polycystic ovarian syndrome. This includes clarifying what it is and who can acquire it, as well as providing some historical context for when it was described. 

To begin with some medical background, American gynecologists Irving F. Stein Sr. and Michael L. Leventhal defined PCOS as an endocrine condition in 1935, and it is today regarded as one of the most prevalent causes of oligo ovulatory infertility in women. Since then, PCOS has been extensively examined, and it is now recognized as a health issue caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. 

The term "polycystic" refers to the distinctive cysts that grow on the ovaries, which are one of the most common symptoms that a woman has PCOS. This hormonal imbalance can also have an impact on the ovaries, causing them to create unhealthy eggs or not release them during ovulation. Aside from cysts, PCOS can induce skipped or irregular periods, which can eventually lead to infertility.

Who Сan Get Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS affects 5% to 10% of women aged 15 to 44, or those of reproductive age, and it is most typically diagnosed in their 20s or 30s. Obesity raises your likelihood of having PCOS, as does a family history of the illness. 

The percentage of women who can develop PCOS is also very high, with one study stating that up to 26.7% of women in the aforementioned age group have this syndrome, but despite these numbers, PCOS remains widely undiagnosed or requires several doctor visits, sometimes with different ones, to obtain a proper diagnosis. 

This delay can be frustrating for people and lead to the development of additional major comorbidities if PCOS is not treated effectively. Polycystic ovarian syndrome has three symptoms, and if you have two of the following, you can be diagnosed with PCOS:

  • Irregular periods;
  • Excess androgens;
  • Polycystic ovaries.

However, you need to seek a clear diagnosis from your doctor before beginning any therapy that includes medication or other forms of PCOS treatment.

How to Lose Weight With PCOS?

There are several reasons why patients with PCOS struggle to lose weight, including hormonal abnormalities, insulin resistance, and inflammation. It is critical to keep motivated during the weight reduction process, especially because one study found that even a 5% weight loss can improve insulin resistance, hormone levels, menstrual cycles, fertility, and general quality of life in patients with PCOS.

Many women have tried to reduce weight but failed because they followed crash diets or engaged in ineffective physical activity. We highly advise our patients to learn more about the foods they eat and how PCOS affects their bodies in order to successfully lose weight. Next, we'll discuss several techniques for women with PCOS to reduce weight, as well as a quick discussion of how vitamins might help.

Your nutritionist will propose that you cut your carb consumption as part of your new weight loss diet plan in order to lower your insulin levels. In one study, patients with PCOS followed a three-week diet of 40% carbohydrates and 45% fat, followed by another three weeks of 60% carbs and 25% fat. Throughout each phase, protein consumption accounted for 15% of total daily calories. While blood sugar levels were equal throughout the two periods of the diet, insulin levels dropped by 30% during the lower carb, greater fat phase.

If you have PCOS and wish to reduce weight, you can make various modifications to your diet, including:

  • Increasing fiber consumption

According to one study, increased fiber intake is associated with decreased insulin resistance, total body fat, and belly fat in persons with PCOS;

  • Adding fermented foods

Consuming foods strong in probiotics may help boost the quantity of good bacteria in your gut, accelerating your metabolism and allowing you to lose weight;

  • Limiting processed foods and added sugars

People with PCOS may digest sugar differently than those without it, as research reveals that women with PCOS had higher increases in blood sugar and insulin levels after eating the same quantity of sugar as women without the disease.