If you’re looking to lose weight, there are plenty of different strategies you can try. But if you have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you might be wondering what helps lose weight and which foods to avoid. The Food and Drink section of your local pharmacy might also have some helpful tips. But first, you’ll need to understand a bit more about PCOS so that you know what kinds of diet tips and products to look out for.
The Basics Of PCOS
PCOS is a common condition that affects up to 16% of women worldwide. In the UK, it’s estimated that 200,000 women are affected. While there’s no clear medical cause of PCOS, there are some factors that seem to make it more favorable for weight loss. These factors include:
- high metabolism
- low body fat percentage
- high emotional wellbeing
- good nutrition
Metabolism Is High
One of the first things that come to mind when you think about losing weight is lowering your metabolism. After all, a low metabolism can make it easier for you to drop pounds. But what is metabolism, and how can you raise it?
Losing weight can be a challenging process, especially if you have PCOS. To begin with, there’s the extra estrogen that fuels the syndrome. Estrogen promotes fat storage, especially in areas such as the abdomen and thighs. This can make it harder for you to lose weight. Especially since you’ll also have high cholesterol and blood pressure. So instead of lowering your metabolism, perhaps you should try raising it. This is especially important if you’re looking to shed those last couple of pounds before your big day.
Raising your metabolism could involve changing your diet or taking supplements, such as vitamins C and E. You might also try adaptogen herbs, such as garcinia cambogia, which help increase energy while reducing stress.
There are also dietary supplements that can increase your body’s natural metabolism. For instance, a study from Australia’s University of Sydney looked at the effects of a diet soda mixture on the body’s metabolism. They compared two groups: one that consumed the soda mixture and one that did not. After just three weeks, those who consumed the soda mixture had significantly higher levels of metabolism than before they started the study. This suggests that the drink can boost your body’s natural fat-burning process. Aside from diet soda, there are also zero-calorie drinks that can increase your metabolism. For example, astaxanthin-rich green tea might be able to do the same.
Body-Fat Percentage Is Low
Another factor that makes PCOS more favorable for weight loss is the low body fat percentage that is characteristic of the syndrome. Body fat is basically any substance that you store around your middle. When you eat, the food is either stored directly as body fat or it’s metabolized into body fat. So if you have a high fat intake, it’s very likely that you’ll have a high body-fat percentage as well.
For those with PCOS, it’s important to keep your body fat percentage low, especially if you want to slim down for a wedding or career function. The amount of body fat you have depends on your genetic make-up, but it can also be affected by your hormone levels and lifestyle. To lose weight, you’ll need to change the way you eat and become more active. This will help your body to regulate its insulin levels and reduce the amount of body fat that it stores.
If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s essential to understand why you want to and what kind of changes you’ll need to make. Once you know the root of the problem, you’ll be able to find the best way to solve it. In some cases, this might involve changing your diet or taking supplements. For those with PCOS, the most important thing is to keep your body fat percentage low, since this makes it easier for your cells to convert the insulin that is naturally present in your body into energy. Eating too much can also cause you to put on weight, so it’s essential that you watch what you eat.
Emotional Wellbeing Is High
Another factor that makes PCOS more favorable for weight loss is the emotional wellbeing that is characteristic of the syndrome. This refers to your mental health. For those with PCOS, it is very important to look after your mental wellbeing, because lots of stress can interfere with your hormones and increase your appetite. So if you want to lose weight, it might be a good idea to try and reduce the stress that you’re under.
Reducing stress can be a challenge, so it’s important that you find a way to cope. One option is to attend regular yoga classes with a flow yoga instructor. Yoga can help to reduce your stress levels and allow you to relax. It also promotes self-reflection and teaches you to become more mindful of your everyday habits. These are all factors that can help you to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Good Nutrition
Last but not least, we would like to mention good nutrition. If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll need to pay close attention to what you eat and how much of it you consume. A healthy diet usually consists of fruits, veggies, and lean meats, while avoiding sugar, fried foods, and carbohydrates with a high glycemic index. These are all factors that can help you to lose weight. In some cases, this might mean changing the way you eat or taking supplements. But aside from dieting, there are also some foods and supplements that can help you to lose weight faster than you would with ordinary nutrition.
If you want to know what helps lose weight with PCOS, it’s important to understand the root of the problem. Once you know the reason why you’re obese, it’s easier to find the best way to solve the issue. In some cases, this might mean changing your diet or taking supplements. For those with PCOS, the most important thing is to keep your body fat percentage as low as possible. Eating too much can also make you put on weight, so it’s important that you keep a check on what you eat.