If you’re reading this, I assume you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). If not, then chances are you’re about to find out.
PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women, and it can make losing weight extremely challenging. This condition affects a woman’s ability to regulate her body’s hormones, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms like acne, weight gain, and trouble getting and staying pregnant.
If you’re struggling with PCOS, then there’s no need to feel guilty about your body image. You’re not alone in this struggle, and I have some incredible news that may help you feel better about yourself.
Acceptance Is Everything
As I mentioned, PCOS is a common condition among women, and there are hundreds of thousands of blogs, online forums, and Facebook groups devoted to supporting and educating people with this disease. One of my favorite spots for PCOS support is SassyFemme.com, where you’ll often find me sharing tips and tricks for living with PCOS. While there, you may have seen me talk about one of my favorite approaches to weight loss – accepting and welcoming your body as it is. This approach can help you overcome your low self-esteem and dieting cycle.
Here’s how it works.
Acceptance
When you accept who you are, then you don’t have to worry about changing or improving your body because you’re pressured to by society or others. Remember: You’re not perfect, and that’s a good thing.
For someone with PCOS, simply accepting that you have this condition can help you start to live your life how you want to. If you decide that dieting and trying to change your body is what makes you happy, then go for it. However, if you want to try something different, then it’s perfectly OK to do so. You deserve to feel happy and content with your body even if it doesn’t match the so-called “perfect” bodies that industry and society try to promote.
Welcoming Your Body
Another critical aspect of accepting yourself is welcoming your body as it is. Studies show that women with PCOS experience increased pain sensitivity, especially when it comes to food and drink. This is because the ovaries responsible for producing female hormones are also located in the pelvis, and they’re extremely sensitive. If you have PCOS, then there’s a good chance you experience pain when your pelvis is too tight or too loose, when you eat certain foods, or when you drink alcohol.
If you decide to lose weight with this condition, then you need to be mindful of your body and how it reacts to different foods and activities. If possible, work with a nutritionist or dietician who can help you determine how to eat to feel your best and still lose weight. Moreover, you need to make sure that you’re drinking enough fluid to stay hydrated. If you’re not, then you may end up dealing with more health problems, including anemia and hypoglycemia.
When you lose weight and feel comfortable in your own skin, then you’ll start to see the difference it makes. Not only will you feel happier with your body, but you’ll also have more energy to tackle the things you care about in life. Ultimately, losing weight can help you feel better about yourself, and that’s a beautiful thing.