Why is losing weight with PCOS so hard?

Author: Mabelle Wiza  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Hormonal imbalances: Women with PCOS often have imbalances in their hormones, including higher levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. This can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight, as androgens can increase insulin resistance and promote fat storage.

Why is losing weight hard in PCOS?

PCOS can make your body resistant to insulin, causing your pancreas to make more insulin. That extra insulin promotes fat storage and increases hunger, which can cause weight gain. Other hormones that regulate hunger and fullness can also be affected by PCOS.

How can I lose weight fast if I have PCOS?

You can lose weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, (at least 5 portions a day), whole foods (such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and brown rice), lean meats, fish and chicken.

What is the best medicine for PCOS weight loss?

Medications effective for weight loss (in addition to lifestyle modifications) that have been specifically studied in women with PCOS include metformin, acarbose, sibutramine, and orlistat (Xenical). Metformin is probably the first-line medication for obesity or weight reduction in patients with PCOS.

What are the 4 stages of PCOS?

Using the Rotterdam criteria, there are 4 possible diagnostic subcategories of PCOS: 1) irregular menses/hyperandrogenism/PCO morphology, 2) irregular menses/hyperandrogenism, 3) hyperandrogenism/PCO morphology, and 4) irregular menses/PCO morphology (Table 2).

Why Is It So Hard To Lose Weight With PCOS » 4 Factors for Losing Weight with PCOS Naturally

What is the average life expectancy for PCOS?

Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.

Is PCOS a disability?

Yes, you can receive a VA disability rating for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) if you began being treated for the condition during your military service and you continue having symptoms now.

Will insurance cover Ozempic for PCOS?

Will insurance cover Ozempic for PCOS? No, insurance will not cover Ozempic for treatment of PCOS. Most insurance plans will only cover Ozempic if it's being prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes and PCOS, your insurance may cover the costs.

Is Ozempic or metformin better for PCOS?

Metformin is often the first-line treatment because it is known to be highly effective. However, Ozempic is an option if you cannot tolerate metformin or if metformin is not working well. It increases pregnancy rates, including for people receiving IVF.

What is the best morning drink for PCOS weight loss?

Drink green tea

This can prevent a hormonal imbalance that is responsible for making your weight loss journey difficult. Green tea can also reduce fasting insulin levels and lower the level of free testosterone in the circulation, thus inhibiting hormonal imbalances and weight gain.

Which fruit is not good for PCOS?

Fruits to Avoid With PCOS

Fruits that are over-ripe or preserved in heavy syrup tend to have a higher glycemic index. The same is true for some dried fruits. For example: Apricots, dried.

What is the best pill for PCOS?

The easiest way of controlling PCOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.

What is PCOS inflammation?

White blood cells make substances in response to infection or injury. This response is called low-grade inflammation. Research shows that people with PCOS have a type of long-term, low-grade inflammation that leads polycystic ovaries to produce androgens. This can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

How to reduce cortisol PCOS?

So here it is:
  1. 5 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR CORTISOL LEVELS AND IMPROVE YOUR PCOS.
  2. Sleep. Sleep is one of the most powerful elements of human life. ...
  3. Meditation, mindfulness or relaxation. ...
  4. Yoga. ...
  5. Regular NURTURING exercise. ...
  6. An anti-inflammatory diet.

Will I ever be skinny with PCOS?

While the majority of people with PCOS have excess weight, it is possible to have the condition and still have a BMI within normal range. This is known as "lean PCOS," and it can make it even harder to get a proper diagnosis.

What is the best weight loss medication for PCOS?

In conclusion, treatment with semaglutide, at low doses, significantly reduces body weight in almost 80% of obese PCOS patients who were unresponsive to a previous lifestyle plan. It is often associated with the normalization of menstrual cycles, and these important results are obtained with very few side effects.

What is the Ozempic face?

Ozempic face is a colloquial term, not a medically recognized condition. It describes the facial changes that can accompany rapid weight loss when using medications like Ozempic or another version of the same drug (generic name semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight-loss treatment.

Can you get life insurance with PCOS?

YES – life insurance should be able to cover you if you have polycystic ovary syndrome, and if you were to pass away your policy will pay out a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones. Life insurance is the most effective way to provide your family with long term financial security.

Why is red meat bad for PCOS?

Intake of excess red meat may increase inflammation in the body and decrease the levels of the hormone progesterone. Steaks contain bad fats, which may increase the severity of PCOS symptoms.

What is the mini pill for PCOS?

Usually, the combined pill is recommended for managing PCOS symptoms. However, if you cannot tolerate the combined pill or cannot take oestrogen, your doctor may advise taking a mini pill containing desogestrel. This is because desogestrel mini pills have less male hormone effects, which can make PCOS worse..

Is coffee bad for PCOS?

High levels of caffeine have been said to make your PCOS symptoms worse by: Increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which raises insulin, which suppresses progesterone production. Increasing sugar cravings (when you're on a low after having a caffeinated coffee earlier, you often crave a sugar boost).

Can you get money for having PCOS?

The PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant was created to help women and girls struggling with hair and skin issues related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The grants are awarded in amounts up to $500 per individual to assist with the costs associated with dermatology treatments, laser hair removal or electrolysis.

Should I tell my employer I have PCOS?

While difficult, being open and honest about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and how it affects you is the most straightforward approach. The best way to start is to explain what PCOS is, the different symptoms and the impact of these symptoms – perhaps even suggest read online about PCOS.

Does PCOS qualify for Ozempic?

Ozempic is FDA-approved for individuals with type 2 diabetes, but it has an off-label use for PCOS—meaning it's not approved for the condition. Ozempic has potential benefits like weight management and hormone balance for people with PCOS.

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