A few conditions and medications can cause you to gain a large amount of weight. One that comes to mind is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition that mostly affects women, which can cause them to gain substantial weight. It is more common in those who are prone to obesity, so it would be a good idea to watch what you eat and stay active if you are one of the many who are affected by this syndrome. There are medications that can help with weight loss in PCOS, but you should not expect quick results from them. It takes time for the drugs to work effectively and there are various side effects that your doctor should advise you about before you start taking them.
Metformin
One of the commonest medications that can be prescribed for those with PCOS is metformin. This drug can help reduce body fat, especially in the abdomen region. Women who take metformin have lost on average 6.7 pounds in a twelve-week period, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. That’s an impressive weight loss, considering that most people who take this drug report an increased appetite as a side effect. Other studies have shown that those who take metformin have lower food intake and improved insulin sensitivity. So, in addition to helping with weight loss, metformin can also improve the way your body uses insulin, which should in turn reduce the chances of you developing diabetes. If you have PCOS and are worried about developing diabetes, you should speak to your doctor about taking metformin.
Riboflavin (Vitamin C)
Riboflavin or vitamin C has been shown to help people with PCOS lose weight. In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, sixty-seven obese women were given either vitamin C or a placebo for ten weeks. Those who took riboflavin lost an average of 2.3 pounds more than those who took a placebo. Vitamin C has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which can cause weight gain. It has been suggested that taking this substance may help improve the symptoms of PCOS. Those who took the vitamin C experienced a reduction in ovarian volume, suggesting that it may also be helpful in removing the excess ovarian tissue that often occurs in PCOS. Vitamin C can be obtained from the skin of healthy fruit, such as oranges and other citrus fruits, or it can be taken as a supplement. So, if you are prone to weight gain, you might consider taking vitamin C to see if it can help you shed the extra weight.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Sodium Lipid-Ion-Sulfate)
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a substance that naturally occurs within the body. It is highly effective at reducing inflammation, which often leads to weight gain. In fact, one study that looked at the effects of ALA in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) found that it helped them lose weight. The CKD patients who took the pill lost an average of 8.7 pounds in just six weeks, versus 3.3 pounds in the placebo group. What’s more, within the group that took the pill, the more they consumed, the greater their weight loss. So, if you have CKD and are taking care of your nephrologist’s (kidney doctor’s) advice to lower your sodium intake, you may also want to try ALA. It has been suggested that taking this substance may help improve the symptoms of PCOS, such as fertility issues and the excess hair on the face that often accompanies it. It may also be able to fight the good bacteria that live in the intestines and help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. If you have PCOS and are looking for a safe and natural way to control your weight, you may want to consider taking ALA.
How To Effectively Lose Weight With PCOS
So, you’ve decided that you want to lose some weight, as everyone should at least attempt to do. For those with PCOS, however, this can be a bit more complicated. It depends on the type of medication that you are taking for your condition as well as your body mass index (BMI). First things first, you should consult with your doctor about possible side effects from the medications that you are taking. This way, you can be sure that you are not going to experience any adverse reactions. Your doctor may also have some suggestions about what else you can try to lose the weight. For instance, if you are taking metformin, your doctor may suggest that you try walking daily or doing yoga to help with your weight loss.
Once you’ve determined that you want to lose weight with PCOS and have decided upon the types of medication that you are going to try, it’s time to start taking them. It is imperative, however, to follow the instructions your doctor gives you regarding how and when to consume the medication. Many people experience unpleasant side effects from the medications that they are taking for PCOS, so make sure that you try to find the least toxic option available. If you are in good health and are taking the suggested dosage, you should experience some positive results with weight loss in about a month. Keep in mind that this will not happen instantly, as it takes time for the medications to take effect. So, remember to be patient.