Can I lose weight with PSO syndrome?

Question

Hi MotleyHealth, I am Looking for ur advise really badly can u please help me my weight is 120 kg and BMI is 39 the reason of this weight is my PSO syndrome. I dont have too much eating habit or sugar taking habit I hardly manage my this weight from last 5 years but now I am trying to conceive and Dr said i need to lose weight. I need my BMI between 25 to 28 than my dr can refer me in the hospital.

I am 32 years old and really looking for ur help please help me and guide me waiting for ur email.

Lasma.


Answer

Hi Lasma,

Apologies for the delay in replying, I spent a little more time than usual researching this condition so that I could give the best advice possible.

PCO syndrome, also called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a common condition which affects around 7% of all women. One of the problems caused by PCOS is insulin resistance which leads to higher blood sugar levels. In time this can lead to type 2 diabetes.

In the short term insulin resistance means that your body is not taking in all the sugar from your diet. The result tends to be that you start to feel lethargic (tired) and to compensate you take in more food. The result is of course weight gain.

The best way to treat the condition is with a combination of healthy food and regular (daily) exercise. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day (including weekends!) and build this up to 45-60 minutes daily.

Exercise and PCOS


To start with exercise does not have to be intensive – go at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Brisk walking is a great way to start exercising as it takes no skill or equipment – just a pair of comfortable shoes and some loose-fitting clothes and you are off.

As you start to lose weight and get fitter you should then increase in the intensity of your exercise. Start jogging, cycling or performing other cardio exercises. Also start some weight-bearing exercising, such as weight training, BodyPump classes or yoga.

Diet and PCOS

It is vital that you start to reduce total calories and also cut down on all refined carbohydrate. Ideally stop eating all baked foods (cakes, cookies, pastries, pies, flans) and also cut back on white bread, pasta and white rice. Some wholemeal bread is OK – but do not rely on bread for energy.

As well as less refined carbs you should aim to eat a greater variety of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (such as fish, chicken, pulses and eggs). Our Low GI Diet Plan will help in this regard.

Weight Loss and PCOS

PCOS, like T2 diabetes, can become somewhat of a Catch 22 situation. PCOS causes more weight gain which makes the condition worse. By losing weight your hormonal imbalance should reduce and this will make it much easier to manage your condition and reduce some of the other common side effects.

Ideally your doctor should also be able to provide some good advice on healthy eating and exercise (although we do not live in an ideal world do we?).


The biggest challenge for you is certainly losing some weight and reducing the symptoms. While in the short-term your goals are to become more fertile, in the long-term you want to reduce risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, so tackling the condition head on now with a new diet and regular (ideally daily!) exercise is essential.

Medical Treatments

There are invasive medical treatments which can treat PCOS and increase fertility. Speak to your doctor about laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) – this will remove the tissues that are producing androgens (testosterone). The NHS website says that this is usually a very successful treatment for infertility.

Further reading:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – What Happens – WebMD

Polycystic ovary syndrome – NHS Choices

 

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