Does PCOS really cause weight gain?

The hormonal disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 out of every 10 women during their reproductive years. Women with PCOS often experience issues with hormonal imbalances, metabolism and, as a result, weight gain. Fortunately, several simple dietary changes can help control this weight.

Why can I not lose weight with PCOS?

The hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation related to this condition make it difficult for women with PCOS to shed weight.

Can you have PCOS and not gain weight?

The PCOS diagnostic criteria do not include “being overweight.” Obesity is a risk of PCOS. In fact, about one in five women with PCOS are at a healthy BMI. Know that you are not invisible. Normal weight and thin women with PCOS do exist.

Is PCOS really that bad?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.

Is PCOS curable with weight loss?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but overweight and obese women can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight. Otherwise, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. A wide range of treatment options can help prevent any potential problems.

Can PCOS cause lower belly fat?

As the most common hormonal problem for women of childbearing years, PCOS sets up a hormonal chaos that encourages belly fat weight gain. Fat storage in PCOS primarily affects the abdomen, especially the lower abdomen. Factors that contribute to belly fat include: Fluctuations in hormones.

Does PCOS change body shape?

High androgen levels lead to symptoms such as body hair growth, acne, irregular periods — and weight gain. Because the weight gain is triggered by male hormones, it is typically in the abdomen. That is where men tend to carry weight. So, instead of having a pear shape, women with PCOS have more of an apple shape.

What is the life expectancy of a woman with PCOS?

Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.

Does PCOS make you hairy?

Because of an elevated level of testosterone – a hormone that is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics – women with PCOS may experience hirsutism, the abnormal growth of body and facial hair, as well as thinning hair.

Can PCOS make you gain weight?

And being depressed (obvi) makes it less likely that you’ll feel up for a workout or healthy meal prepping. Since even active ladies with PCOS still gain more weight than equally fit women without PCOS, this is a huge bummer. “Year over year, that leads to accelerated weight gain that women have a hard time controlling,” says Dumesic.

Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome make you fat?

PCOS is highly correlated with insulin resistance (IR) which is in turn highly correlated with obesity. The actual causation in those relationships isn’t clear. The fact remains that women diagnosed with PCOS have a hard time controlling their weight. So, yes, in a sense it does make you fat.

What are the causes of PCOS?

Though doctors aren’t sure about exactly what causes PCOS, symptoms like weight gain and acne are caused by increased testosterone produced by the ovaries. Roughly 10 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 44 have this condition, according to the National Institute of Health.

How can I lose weight with PCOS?

Strike back: Meds designed to help treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity will likely help with weight loss in PCOS patients, says Sweeny. And as a precautionary measure, make sure you’re drinking enough water to prevent phantom hunger pangs, says Horstmann. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day.