One of the commonest endocrinological disorders affecting women is PCOS—polycystic ovary syndrome. In this disorder women face hormonal issues that interfere with normal menstruation, fertility and unwanted body hair.
Women with PCOS experience increased risk of diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and uterine cancer, therefore, be sure to get diagnosed and treated by the best gynecologist in Lahore.
Why is there weight gain PCOS?
One feature of PCOS is insulin resistance, which means that the body has to produce higher levels of insulin to decrease the blood glucose levels and allow the body to utilize this glucose for energy; insulin resistance is also seen in type 2 diabetes.
With higher levels of insulin in the body, the glucose builds up in the bloodstream and the body goes into fat storing mode. Moreover, there is an imbalance of the hunger hormones, because insulin acts as a stimulant of appetite and thus there are strong hunger cravings in women with PCOS. It is not uncommon for women with PCOS to develop eating disorders as well, like binge eating.
Additionally, there is an increase in male hormones in the body for someone with PCOS that can compound weight gain, along with symptoms like acne, body hair growth and irregular periods. The weight gain attributed to male hormones is around the abdominal region, giving more of an apple shape to the body, instead of the more common pear shape seen in women.
How to control weight in PCOS?
To best manage your health, weight and PCOS, be sure to seek help from your healthcare provider. There are many qualified gynecologists in islamabad who can help with disease management. Here are some tips that can be followed for weight loss:
The sudden spike in blood sugar is due to increased carb intake. To prevent this sudden spike, it is best to consume, small regular meals throughout the day, and avoid foods with high glycemic index.
Refined carbs such as white bread or pasta, have a higher glycemic index and can cause the blood sugar to rise suddenly, which is not good for someone with PCOS as their body is insulin resistant. Spikes in blood sugar result in sugar crashes that begin a vicious cycle of wanting and eating more carbs. Instead, complex carbs with lower glycemic index, are a superior option, as they sustain the blood sugar levels for a longer period.
Complex carbs also have a higher fiber and magnesium content that take longer to digest and help in maintaining blood sugar levels for longer. Moreover, high-fiber content also keeps the stomach fuller for longer and the bowels regular.
A fixed workout routine also helps in stabilizing the sugar content, and reduces the risk for chronic diseases that women with PCOS are prone to. These include diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests there is high association between PCOS and poor cardiovascular health. Therefore, strength training and cardio should be done routinely to mitigate this risk.
Limiting the portion size and added sugar also helps to lose or maintain weight. As mentioned before, instead of eating three large meals a day, go for six small meals with controlled portions. When eating packaged food, be sure to read the labels and adjust portion size accordingly.
PCOS cannot be treated by medication alone; lifestyle and diet modification play a big role in the management of this disease. Thus, be sure to follow the guidelines of your healthcare provider and stay healthy and happy.
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