Crisis point, have to lose weight to get my PCOS medication...

[AlexiaHex]

My GP has told me I can no longer take the combined pill (the only thing that keeps my hormonal migraines in check, and my horrible PCOS symptoms like acne and 6 month long periods with a few days gap in between). 

I've been trying to shed weight for years. I'm 5'3" and 15 stone 6. I eat less than most my friends,  only have brown rice/pasta/bread, rarely eat anything sweet, hardly have dairy aside from a little skimmed milk for my tea, I don't snack between meals, I eat well at mealtime (1/2 plate veg and the rest lean protein & low GI carbs), I don't use oil in my cooking (maybe a couple of spritzes of spray), I don't binge/overeat... and My only sin is the odd take away (maybe 3-4 a month). 

WHAT GIVES!?!? I have done weight watchers, slimmers world, calorie counting etc etc etc. The only time I was ever able to lose weight was when I was eating 800 cals a day  (which naturally made me very poorly) and even then the loss was SLOW. 

I've been checked for underactive thyroid under the NHS and my bloods came up clean. I can't exercise due to being physically disabled.  

I'm lost!! What do I do???

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello AlexiaHex  

I feel for you 😕 I was in a similar position last year 😕 I always ate healthily yet still gained weight 😕 I am losing now but have to be very careful with portion size, I am  losing slowly, after all I gained it slowly. Portion control was definitely the answer for me. 

Exercise is also problematic for me too, but Could you swim?  or some chair based workouts? Exercise is important for everybody  😊 

If there are medical issues, could you speak to your practice nurse or even a dietician who can work out a plan for you? 😊

Good luck and best wishes

[gershy]

Loosing weight is really tough especially when you ate trying and it just doesn't go down! ! Try chris powells carb cycling diet its really great you can fund out more in his book eat more loose more, get fit for life.  I bought it on amazon when I kept to it I lost. Good luck 

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi AlexiaHex,

I can see you've had some helpful suggestions already, and I'd just like to give you a link to our Welcome Newbie post, as it gives some more information and suggestions from members of the forum on their own experiences:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Definitely worth discussing your health issues with your practice nurse and GP, to ensure they are on board with your weight loss plan.

Wishing you success with your goals, and please do join in with any of the various Challenges you see, as they could motivate you further.  See the Pinned Posts in the right-hand-side of the homepage for details of those.  Particularly the 're-boot' Challenge, as that might help to start the NHS 12 week plan as part of a group.

Have a great week.

Lowcal

[Hidden]

Metformin, metformin, metformin!  I was in the exact same position as you, PCOS and gaining weight irrationally.  It really is a wonder drug for PCOS.  It helps regulate your appetite and increases your insulin sensitivity (both of which help you lose weight).  Ask your doctor if you can try it.  Normally I think an endocrinology doctor has to prescribe it so you might well need a referral but ask for your GP.  

A few months ago I was gaining a few stone a year despite not over eating, my hormone imbalances were extreme amd I had so many PCOS symptoms.  Started metformin and boom, gone.  Quite happily eating healthily amd loosing weight now!

If you don't want metformin then exercise is also very good at increasing your insulin sensitivity (particularly walking).

Hope this helps a bit.  I really can sympathise how hard and frustrating your situation is

[Penel]

Sorry to hear you are having such a tough time. There is some research which has found that going very low carb, not just low GI, and possibly excluding dairy as well,  can help reduce the symptoms of PCOS. It might be worth you having a look at the low carb diet on the diabetes website? 

diabetes.co.uk/diet/low-car...