Can PCOS Cause Weight Gain?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders that female patients in their reproductive age are diagnosed with. It is often talked about that irregular periods and fertility problems are the main symptoms of PCOS, however, many women find that weight gain is the most perplexing and upsetting symptom that they face. It is not just a matter of one’s eating habits or the will to exercise.

The weight changes in PCOS are closely associated with the body’s hormonal and insulin processes. The very first step in handling this condition properly is to get to know why weight gain accompanies PCOS.

How PCOS Affects Metabolism

PCOS changes the hormonal balance of the body, especially insulin and androgens. Most women who have PCOS also acquire insulin resistance, that is the body becoming inefficient in the use of insulin. Therefore, sugar stays in the blood and is saved as fat rather than being used as energy.

However, high levels of androgens can also decrease metabolic rate and harden the area where fat is stored, the belly, in this case. The duo makes the addition of weight highly probable and the reduction of weight extremely difficult that is to say, one can try as much as possible and still get very little results.

Why Weight Gain Feels Hard to Control

The weight gain associated with PCOS is not necessarily slow all the time. There are some women who see a sudden change in their weight, and there are also those who can hardly lose weight even though they follow a healthy lifestyle.

Some of the most common causes of this situation are:

• Insulin resistance resulting in the body storing more fat
• Hormonal imbalances interfering with the body’s appetite regulation
• Being more prone to eating refined carbohydrates, especially in periods of increased craving
• Lowered energy levels caused by hormonal fluctuations

All these factors are intertwined; thus, the weight gain on PCOS that is usually mentioned as being unpredictable and very frustrating is actually the result of this interaction.

Can Weight Gain Worsen PCOS Symptoms?

Definitely. Gaining weight can worsen a number of PCOS symptoms, the situation becomes a vicious circle which is difficult to get out of. The increased amount of fat in the body can interfere with hormone levels even more, thus periods can become more irregular and ovulation less predictable. In addition, it can make acne, hair growth problems, and fertility issues worse.

Moreover, situation of overweight may lead to an increased risk of developing some health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart-related diseases. Hence, taking care of sudden weight changes can be an effective way of risk prevention.

Managing Weight with PCOS

Though PCOS complicates weight management, it can still be done with a proper method. Most of the time, the main goal of the treatment is to make the body more sensitive to insulin and to balance the hormones rather than to lose weight fast.

What works well most of the time are:

• Balanced meals that exclude or limit refined sugars and processed foods
• Regular physical activity that is focused on strength and is done consistently
• Stress management to keep hormones balanced
• If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, then medical interventions may be necessary

Each woman has a different story when it comes to PCOS, and that is the reason personalised care is very important for the achievement of sustainable results.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If gaining weight seems abrupt, continues for a long time, or is even resistant to any lifestyle changes made, you should definitely see a specialist. An accurate diagnosis may figure out hormonal imbalances, metabolism problems, and even the connection of these with reproductive health. Also, helping yourself at the very beginning can hinder the development of disorders and, finally, make the management of symptoms easier and more efficient.

Weight gain caused by PCOS is definitely not your fault and not because you haven’t tried hard enough. It is a health issue that is impacted by hormones and metabolism and thus, needs proper care and management over time. Women at our Sugam Hospital get thorough assessment and personalized advice to not only treat but also understand their PCOS symptoms and feel self assured. If you are looking for a balanced ladies health care solution at a reliable pregnancy hospital in Chennai, then professional assistance can be the turning point in effectively handling PCOS and getting back to feeling good in your body.