Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a condition that affects many women across the world. The cause of PCOS is still relatively unknown, but the main underlying problem is due to a hormonal imbalance in the body. The ovaries produce higher levels of androgens (a male hormone also produced in females) which affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. 
Women who have PCOS may suffer from one or more of these symptoms:
- irregular periods or no periods at all.
- difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)
- excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks.
- weight gain.
- thinning hair and hair loss from the head.
- oily skin or acne.
PCOS causes weight gain because the body has more difficulty using insulin. This insulin resistance means that glucose and sugar can build up in the blood stream, not only resulting in weight gain but also making it virtually impossible to shift post pregnancy weight.
Weight loss can reduce some of the symptoms of PCOS. Losing just 10% of your overall body weight when you have PCOS can mean that your menstrual cycle gets back to normal and can reduce your sensitivity to insulin, meaning that you’re less likely to have to deal with other symptoms of PCOS.
There are a number of ways that you can lose weight with polycystic ovary syndrome and the Lose Baby Weight plans have bee able to help a number of women. However you do need to remember that the process will take longer for you than it would for someone who doesn’t have PCOS. The weight loss can be a lot harder and more frustrating and we always recommend talking to your Dr before starting any weight loss plan when you have PCOS.
Here are some tips on how to kick start your weight loss with PCOS: 
- PCOS plays havoc with your blood sugar levels so you need to include more fruits, vegetables and loads of fibre in your diet. Where possible, steer clear of sugary foods and things like white bread and white pasta, as these contain lots more sugar than you might realise. Instead, eat plenty of whole grains and lean protein such as chicken or tofu.
- It’s also best for you to eat 4-6 small meals throughout the day rather than 3 larger meals. This will keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day helping to reduce your PCOS symptoms. It’s also important for you to do 30 minutes of cardio exercise at least 5 times a week, or more if you can manage it, as this will kick-start your metabolism and will help you to burn off more calories.
- If a high fibre, high protein, low sugar diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and an exercise plan doesn’t help to boost your weight loss you should talk to your doctor, as there are medications that you can take to reduce levels of certain hormones within your body.
- It’s important to keep your diet and exercise routine consistent, and if you take medication, to make sure you take it every time your doctor recommends that you do so.
- Sticking to your diet, exercise routine and medication plan even when it feels like the rate of your weight loss is very slow will pay dividends in the end. Be patient and remember that weight loss happens at a different rate for everyone, even in perfectly healthy individuals. You may just have to wait a little longer to see the results that you want.
Written by nutritionist Amelia Danes
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