How PCOS might be affecting your weight

Trying to lose weight but the weighing machine just doesn’t seem to comply? There is more to it than meets the eye when it comes to weight gain.  Binge eating unhealthy food, large portion size, inactive lifestyle, less sleep or even stress are not the only reasons why your favorite pair of jeans doesn’t fit anymore.

One such medical reason is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Women diagnosed with PCOS often find it extremely difficult to lose weight. Medical reasons can also cause weight gain and no matter how much you exercise or even go on a strict healthy diet plan the weight seems to increase. Polycystic ovary syndrome patients with high Body Mass Index tend to have functional disorders.

However, it isn’t quite clear if polycystic ovary syndrome and weight gain have a cause and effect relationship. PCOS is a condition characterized by an imbalance of reproductive hormones i.e. too many androgens, or “male hormones” in particular. Such an imbalance can often result in nasty weight gain around the waist area, which in turn results in more fat accumulation. The fat near the abdominal area reduces responsiveness to insulin making you likely to gain more weight. With PCOS, the bodies metabolism rate is lower than average. Women suffering from PCOS often complain about their hunger hormone being all over the place; they feel hungry even when their body does not need food.

Along with insulin resistance, women suffering from PCOS experience emotional imbalance and find themselves to be over-stressed or even depressed.

High blood pressure, sleep apnea, infertility, type 2 diabetes and Endometrial cancer are risks associated with PCOS and weight gain. Many of these conditions can lead to heart disease. In fact, women with PCOS are four to seven times more likely to have a heart attack than women of the same age without the condition.

It is often observed that along with the right medical treatment and well-scheduled exercise one can lose weight inspite of having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Losing weight can restore normal functioning of hormones and reduce insulin resistance by 50%.

Tips for losing weight with PCOS:

1. Eat without distraction, as it helps reduce overeating
2. Add spices to your food, a sprinkle cinnamon in your coffee or tea can help
3. Squat it out! A great exercise that is fantastic for losing weight, as well as keeping fit.
4. Add more walking in your day, spending any spare time exercising can go a long way.
5. Say no to processed food.

The best way to lose weight is by achieving the right combination of physical workout and diet.

Experts recommend best diet for PCOS containing low-carb, high-fiber and low-sugar to women suffering from PCOS, they also recommend exercising first and then eating to regulate body metabolism. Focus on making small changes to your lifestyle and that should help! PCOS and its effects can be combated with the right care and adjustments.

Carbohydrates and its role in Obesity

Do you love pizza? Well, that was a stupid question to ask. It’s probably the reason that’s keeping you from getting those six pack abs this summer.

Obesity is no longer a problem that’s limited to a specific country; it has spread its roots all over the world. We are here to help you lose weight (Especially if you’re on a carb rich diet) and shed some light on this evil.

Carbohydrates are the powerhouse of our systems; they are the macronutrients that provide energy to our body. What do you think our body does with excess energy intake? Yes, you guessed it right. Our body converts it into fat.

Studies show that the quality of carbohydrates rather than the quantity determines whether a person gains weight. If you are prone to gaining weight you should refrain yourself from white bread, pasta, chips, processed food, cakes, cookies etc. The high glycemic index (Simple carbs, we will explain this further in the next paragraph) in these items causes an imminent spike in blood sugar. If this energy is not utilized then it gets converted into fat. lose weight (The best way to would be to avoid food with a high glycemic index)

Complex Carbohydrates Vs Simple Carbohydrates

Complex carbs consist of whole grain foods, whole fruits and vegetables etc. It consists of food which has high fiber content and phytonutrients. Once the fiber is digested, our body converts it into glucose. Fiber is digested slowly by our system hence this glucose is also let into our bloodstream at a steady pace.

On the other hand, simple carbs like white bread, fruit juice without any pulp, refined flour etc are digested instantly. This causes a spike in our blood sugar levels, as mentioned earlier this makes us put on those inches nobody wants.

Well if you have already set foot towards the path of simple carbohydrates, don’t worry. We have some tips to lose weight up our sleeve, take a look at some weight loss tips mentioned below-

1. A fiber rich diet holds a fair amount of importance when it comes to weight management and control. Fiber provides bulk to food which makes you feel fuller and gives you a greater amount of satisfaction.
2. Choose dairy that is low in carbs eg: Pick greek yogurt over normal yogurt.
3. Start reading food labels/nutrition facts and keep a track of your daily intake. According to USDA dietary guidelines, the average adult should consume anywhere between 225 – 325 grams of carbohydrates daily. This consists of 45% – 65% of their daily calorie consumption. However, consulting your dietitian is the best way to move forward and receive a diet plan to lose weight fast.
4. Eliminate/Reduce your soda and sweetened drinks.
5. Eat high quality sources of protein like quinoa, low toxin fish etc

The tips to reduce weight mentioned above will definitely show results. Dedication, hard work and sincerity are all you require to get in shape this summer!