Losing Weight with PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, abbreviated as PCOS is an endocrine disorder affecting women. About 5 to 10% of the women world wide are affected with this condition in their reproductive age. It is also one of the main causes of female infertility. The other names of this condition are polycystic ovary syndrome, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), ovarian hyperthecosis, etc. Obesity, irregular menstrual cycle, acne, excessive mild symptoms of hyperandrogenism, etc. are the most common symptoms of PCOS. In most cases, excessive weight gain for no apparent reason is also seen. Losing weight PCOS is often a difficult task, but not necessarily impossible. However, with the right line of treatment, women are indeed able to lose weight with PCOS as well.

Tips for Losing Weight with PCOS

A lot of research is being carried on diet for polycystic ovarian syndrome, as it leads to a number of health problems. The research now points that insulin has a role to play in PCOS. Women with PCOS are resistant to insulin. More and more insulin is released into the blood stream. The system plays up, causes metabolism problems and in turn leads to ovarian syndrome. Therefore, the line of treatment for weight problems with PCOS include right diet and exercise regime. Drugs is the last resort to the problem. Although losing at least 5 to 10% of extra often helps in resolving most of the problems, caused due to the condition. PCOS and pregnancy have a close connection as well. Women with PCOS find it very difficult to conceive. A number of women, who are unable to conceive due to PCOS have benefited a great deal from following the right diet and exercise routine.

Diet Tips
For losing weight with polycystic ovarian syndrome, one has to pay attention to their diet diligently. Without which weight loss may not be possible. The first important step is to opt for a low carb diet. Foods like cereals, breads, pastas, etc. should be done away with. In other words, do not consume starchy, processed carbohydrates. Including healthy carbohydrates like whole wheat, brown rice, beans, etc. in the diet is necessary. At the same time, diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, which are a rich source of fiber. They also help in reducing insulin response.

Along with low carbohydrates, diet should also be high in protein. High protein diet combats high amount of sugar in the blood stream. For protein source eggs, lean meat, pulses, sprouts, fish, beans, etc. are chosen. Staying away from red meat as much as possible is necessary. The lean proteins should be consumed in healthy forms like by grilling meat, roasting, etc., rather than baking it with heavy sauces. One home remedy for reducing sugar levels in the blood stream is to include ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with meals everyday. You may want to consider talking to your dietitian and get a diet plan chalked out for yourself.

Exercises
Along with diet, it is necessary that some form of exercise is a part of the daily routine. One does not have to necessarily go to the gym for losing weight, when one has PCOS or hypothyroidism. One can undertake numerous activities at home as well. The best exercise for losing weight with hypothyroidism and PCOS is walking exercise. There are manifold benefits of the walking exercise. Not only does it help in the weight loss process, but it also keeps insulin under check. This in turn leads to keeping the condition under check.

Make it a point to include any aerobic exercise of your choice at least three to four times a week. Each session should not be lesser than 45 to 50 minutes. Some of the simple, yet very effective aerobic exercises are running and jogging, rock climbing, stair climbing, swimming exercise, etc. If possible, you may want to opt for some weight training as well. Weight training helps to tone the muscles. Toned muscles are important for women's health, as they help in burning more calories rather than just fat. Muscles are also responsible for burning calories long after you have stopped exercising as well.

Last but not the least, remember losing weight with PCOS is difficult, but not impossible. Therefore, you may not get drastic results like other people. However, be happy with the very little you are able to shed off and continue with your efforts. You should not get disheartened and do not give up in between, as you are going to lose out on 'good' health, if you do give up.