The Numbers Are In
It’s time for some good news! According to the American Medical Association, 82 million Americans are now classified as overweight. This amounts to one in three adults.
In addition, 38 million are classified as obese. This means that one in four adults are either overweight or obese. The statistics are heart-breaking; however, they’re also pretty accurate.
Obesity And The Predicament Of PCOS
The above figures highlight the sheer scale of the obesity epidemic in the United States. If this sounds all too familiar, you may have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). This is a hormonal disorder that affects the regulation of food intake and the storage of energy. As a result, women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from obesity. It’s thought that up to 90% of cases of PCOS are now detected in women.
PCOS has long been considered a ‘hidden obesity’ syndrome because of its association with metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. However, it is now also considered to be a ‘hidden malnutrition’ syndrome because of its association with low bone mineral density and vitamin deficiencies. In short, PCOS is a disorder that affects both your weight and your health. This is because the syndrome impacts upon both the hormones that regulate appetite and the hormones that regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. As a result, women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from eating disorders and lack of self-image because they can’t seem to manage their weight correctly. This is why understanding PCOS and how to lose weight with it is so important.
What Is PCOS?
If you’re not sure what PCOS is, here’s a quick guide. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have PCOS. This is a rather high figure, but it highlights the commonness of this syndrome. Women with PCOS are likely to have irregular menstrual cycles and excessive hair growth. In addition, they may experience acne, bloating, and trouble sleeping. There’s also the mental health effects associated with the disorder. Up to 50% of women with PCOS report some form of depression. This is primarily because of the association between the disorder and other mental health problems like anxiety and low self-esteem. It is clear that PCOS has a significant impact upon women’s health and well-being. This is why you should be doing everything in your power to understand it and how to get rid of it once and for all!
How To Lose Weight: The Main Takeaways
With PCOS, it is very difficult to determine how much weight one should lose because there’s no ‘right’ answer. It really depends upon the weight that you want to lose and your metabolism. In general, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women with PCOS try to lose a “healthy weight” that is not overly restrictive. This means that you should not lose more than 10 pounds for your first attempt at weight loss. Once you have reached this weight, you should not increase your daily food intake above this amount. In addition, it is important that you get enough rest and do whatever you can to reduce stress levels. This will help you to maintain a healthy weight.
If this sounds like a diet that you’ve tried and failed before, then it’s time for a change. With a little bit of effort, you can lose weight and feel better because you deserve to! If you want to learn more, then check out the rest of our guide which includes tips on what kinds of foods to avoid and what kinds of exercises to do to lose weight with PCOS. You’re sure to find something that will help you achieve your ideal weight. Don’t forget: it’s all about finding what works best for you!
The above article gives you a good overview of how to lose weight with PCOS. In addition to the medical issues that the syndrome presents, weight loss is also complicated by the fact that you won’t know how much weight to lose until you’ve tried a few diets and found out what works best for your body. Make sure to read the other articles in this series to get more information on each individual topic. You’ll gain a clearer picture of how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight once you’ve finished reading!