Weight loss
This is a very difficult area for women who are constantly told by their care providers that they must lose weight. The very disease that is worsened by the excess weight conspires against them in this quest, making weight loss more difficult than usual. There is no one-shot, sure fire answer and the key is a combination of strict calorie reduction combined with aerobic exercise. Monitoring weight loss as part of a supervised programme can improve the chances of success.
Weight loss will regulate periods, lead to more ovulatory cycles, improve hairiness, reduce the risk of heart disease and lower insulin levels. GP's or specialists can often arrange a referral to a dietician to discuss the optimum diet, which is particularly important considering the tendency toward high cholesterol and unhealthy blood lipids that comes with PCOS. Getting weight into the normal range and maintaining it there should considered a lifelong process, rather than a short-term fix. This will help ensure that you maintain the weight you lose and the healthy lifestyle that helped you achieve it.
There has been speculation that either high protein diets such as the Atkins one, or specific low glycaemic index diets may be more appropriate or result in improved weight loss for women with PCOS. Research to date has not been able to confirm this. The key as for anyone trying to lose weight is to reduce calorie intake and expend more through exercise.
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