Gaining Weight? It Might Be PCOS

If you too feel like you've been doing everything perfectly—eating healthy, exercising regularly—but still unable to shed a few pounds? And even worse, you keep on gaining weight for perhaps no reason, especially if you are a postpartum mother. Well, it could be Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Did you know that PCOS affects nearly 13 percent of women of reproductive age? However, many don’t even know they have it. One of the most frustrating symptoms of PCOS is Unexplained weight gain. So, why does this actually happen? 

Read this article to know the connection between PCOS and weight gain. 

The main reason behind PCOS weight gain isn’t overeating or lack of exercise. It is usually caused due to hormonal imbalances and metabolic changes that make it quite difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Besides, the hormonal changes during postpartum make the hormonal imbalances even intense thus, amplifying your concern. Here are a few reasons why you might be noticing weight gain when you have PCOS.

Did you know that up to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance? In simple words, it means their bodies struggle to convert sugar into energy, and the body stores it as fat. This ultimately leads to rapid weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

This doesn’t just cause weight gain. It also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Yes, women too naturally produce small amounts of androgens or male hormones. However, in PCOS, these levels are much higher. Excess androgens contribute to Increased fat storage.

The result? This hormonal imbalance makes it difficult to lose fat and build lean muscle, and weight management gets worse.

According to studies, postpartum women with PCOS have a much slower metabolic rate compared to those without the condition. This means they burn fewer calories at rest. Weight gain becomes almost inevitable even when you eat just the same amount of food as someone without PCOS.

In fact, women with PCOS burn up to 400 fewer calories per day as compared to those without the condition.

Even though PCOS makes weight management difficult, it’s certainly not impossible. By making simple yet consistent lifestyle changes you can actually help balance hormones and thus prevent further weight gain. By incorporating a low-glycemic diet that has been proven to reduce insulin levels by almost 30 percent, you can further make weight loss easier. After all, diet is one of the most effective ways to control it.

Besides, strength training, walking, yoga, and HIIT workouts can also help boost metabolism and burn fat more efficiently. Lastly, managing stress reduces cortisol levels in the body, eventually leading to better weight management. Since stress levels are quite higher during postpartum phase, managing stress becomes even more important.

PCOS-related weight gain during postpartum needs a consistent approach, especially if you want to manage your weight better. However, if you’re still struggling with PCOS weight gain despite making changes, it is best to consult your healthcare provider.