Up to 90% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are overweight or obese, and as many as 90% are also insulin-resistant. PCOS describes a set of symptoms related to a hormonal imbalance in which androgen levels are abnormally high.
This imbalance causes issues such as:
While many women with PCOS find weight loss challenging, weight control is a key aspect of managing PCOS.
If you’ve struggled to lose weight and keep it off on your own, our team at the Center for Women’s Health in Wichita, Kansas, offers weight management programs to get you on the right track and increase your chances of success.
Board-certified OB/GYN Sharon Breit, MD, leads our team, which provides support, tools, and guidance on weight loss management tailored for women with PCOS.
Excess weight worsens the hormonal imbalances linked to PCOS, leading to more severe symptoms. Additionally, PCOS increases the risk of developing serious health complications, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight not only improves PCOS symptoms, it significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Lowering insulin levels is a key component of managing PCOS, and making dietary changes is one of the most effective ways to increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce insulin levels.
Weight loss also improves insulin sensitivity, and reinforces a state of insulin balance. This means that losing excess weight puts your body in a state that combats insulin resistance.
Excess insulin increases androgen production, according to a clinical review. For this reason, eating habits that not only promote weight loss, but also reduce insulin levels are the target for women with PCOS.
Detecting and addressing any underlying issues that can pose roadblocks in your weight loss journey increases your chances of success. We may recommend individualized metabolic panels to check:
Doing so gives us the opportunity to address underlying issues so you have the best chance of losing weight and keeping it off in the long term. Dr. Breit may recommend medications such as metformin, which can improve insulin resistance.
Consistent monitoring is crucial for long-term weight management. We provide ongoing support, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and offer encouragement throughout your weight loss journey.
For women with PCOS who are trying to conceive, weight management is especially important. Dr. Breit offers guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Managing PCOS requires a comprehensive approach, and weight control is at the heart of this strategy. You don’t have to go it alone. At the Center for Women’s Health, we have the tools you need to shed excess pounds and improve PCOS.
To learn more and to request an appointment with Dr. Breit, contact us at our Wichita, Kansas, office. With the right support and management strategies, you can take control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
