Losing weight with PCOS

[YearningHeart]

Hi, I need to lose at least 2 stones fast and I want to maintain thereafter. I have PCOS so its hard losing weight. Any ideas or tips how I could lose weight fast

[Hidden]

Hi YearningHeart,

Firstly, I would strongly recommend against 'fast' weight loss. It is almost always unsustainable and almost always ends up with the weight being regained. A maximum average weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs a week, or up to 1 kg a week, is what is recommended.

For sure, people can lose weight faster, but there are risks and if people are put onto Very Low Calorie Diets by medical practitioners it is because the risks to their health from the excess weight is greater than the risks of the VLCD. VLCDs should only be done under medical supervision,

But furthermore, whether your body burns fat or stores it, like lots of other functions, is controlled and regulated by hormones. As you have a significant endocrinal condition, you should really be asking your doctor about weight loss as your efforts to lose weight might impinge upon your condition and vice versa.

So, the sooner you get started then the sooner you'll get some degree of outcome, so I'd recommend ringing your doctor for an appointment a.s.a.p.

Good luck with it.

[vickyjoness]

Hi,

I agree with Doikosp, loosing weight quickly is not a good idea. Although it's very motivating (the first week I started Slimming world I lose 10.5lbs) it's not going to last, especially if the changes you made in order to lose the weight are impossible to stick to long term. I would say go and see your doc, I have PCOS too, and they put me on Metformin to help. That along with eating healthier have helped me lose weight. Just remember to not give up, even if you fall off the wagon KEEP GOING.

Another thing which could help is joining a support group. If you're quite overweight you could ask your doctor about 'Why Weight?' or even join slimming world or Weight watchers for group support, if those kind of things help.

You will lose weight and feel better if you do.

[Prin]

I totally agree quick fix and faddy weight loss is to hard to maintain, its about taking in fewer calories than you need. Good luck and let us know how you get on

[chay]

Having PCOS myself, I understand your frustrations. The symptoms are made worse by weight and the weight makes you feel worse along with more hair and more spots. Losing weight is almost impossible before you startas your self esteem is so low. Before anything else, you have to take control of your blood sugar. Unlike others you (and me) are controlled by it. We produce too much insulin and are more prone to toxins and things in the system. A crash diet will make these things worse! Much worse, you're likely to lose weight and put more on. I would follow a diabetic's diet, with help from your g.p. There is an online PCOS diet but you have to pay for this. I take Metformin, which seems to help and also the pill dianette (a life saver) . It'w not going to be easy but you must keep your blood sugars even, instead of yo-yo ing. I'm not an expert but I'm on the better side of reading about 20 books on the subject. I hope you find your solution. Ps I was told no load bearing exercise - running ok, ex bike on the lowest setting. Apparently we build muscle like a man would - I definitely follow that.

[Kathy21 in reply to chay]

Sorry for ignorance, what is PCOS please.

[chay]

Polycystic ovary syndrome. It can affect the hormones in your system, putting them out of balance causing the effects above and also infertility.