How PCOS messes with your weight

POLYCYSTIC ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which women have an increased production of male hormones (androgens), impaired ovulation and multiple cysts on their ovaries.

Usually, the woman may notice that she has irregular menses or may not see a period, and according to obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Jordan Hardie, this can increase her risk of infertility.

He said women with PCOS may also have excessive hair on the face, chest, abdomen and back (this is known as hirsutism), as well as acne.

But there is one aspect which PCOS usually affects that causes much misery — her weight.

Dr Hardie said the effects of PCOS on a woman’s body fat include:

Impaired breakdown of fats (hyperlipidaemia)

This leads to increased storage of fats, usually in the mid-section, resulting in a large stomach.

Insulin resistance

“PCOS causes the body to be resistant to insulin — the hormone responsible for breaking down glucose, leading to women having higher blood glucose levels. However, because the woman’s body is unable to utilise this glucose efficiently, there is an increased desire for more glucose which may lead to her eating more, and at times packing on pounds,” Dr Hardie said. “PCOS increases the woman’s risk of developing diabetes, which further impairs the ability of her organs to break down high cholesterol.”

All is not lost, however, as Dr Hardie stated that despite PCOS, women can make certain lifestyle adjustments to control their weight. These include:

Dietary modifications

“Eat fewer high-calorie foods. Women with PCOS should see a nutritionist to assist in structuring their meals. Set daily targets of the amount of calories based on the daily activities scheduled for that day,” he said.

Exercise

Dr Hardie said that regular exercise assists by burning the excess calories and improving how efficiently the body utilises these calories.

Medication

The ObGyn explained that medications like Metformin, which is a drug used commonly to treat diabetes, can help with weight control by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This will allow for more efficient breakdown of simple sugars and will suppress the appetite in some women.

Set targets

He said women with PCOS should monitor their weight and set targets.

“If the women are not meeting their goals for weight loss, they should seek assistance from their gynaecologist as well as a nutritionist,” Dr Hardie advised.