PCOS and weight

[meggomyeggo]

Hi! I'm Meg, I'm new to the forums and, for the most part, to actually trying to lose weight.
About 6 months ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I do know that this disease makes it more likely for me to be overweight and makes it harder for me to lose weight, but losing weight isn't easy for anyone. Still, after diagnosis, I used PCOS as an excuse to give up. Now I'm roughly 200 pounds, I tend to either over-eat or not eat at all, I drink too much, and I can't even jog for more than five minutes straight. I love to lift weights, but having really nice abs underneath two inches of fat really isn't worth much.

I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with PCOS while trying to get fit. I know it's illogical but I keep telling myself "Well, you're flawed, there's no way you'll look healthy again, give up and at least enjoy the food you eat." I really need to find other women who have dealt with similar issues and managed to fight through it.

Anyone have any advice or inspiring stories? Thanks a ton in advance!

[leggomyeggo]

Hi! I'm Meg, I'm new to the forums and, for the most part, to actually trying to lose weight.
About 6 months ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I do know that this disease makes it more likely for me to be overweight and makes it harder for me to lose weight, but losing weight isn't easy for anyone. Still, after diagnosis, I used PCOS as an excuse to give up. Now I'm roughly 200 pounds, I tend to either over-eat or not eat at all, I drink too much, and I can't even jog for more than five minutes straight. I love to lift weights, but having really nice abs underneath two inches of fat really isn't worth much.

I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with PCOS while trying to get fit. I know it's illogical but I keep telling myself "Well, you're flawed, there's no way you'll look healthy again, give up and at least enjoy the food you eat." I really need to find other women who have dealt with similar issues and managed to fight through it.

Anyone have any advice or inspiring stories? Thanks a ton in advance!

I am so digging your username and I don't know why! :D

Having PCOS does NOT mean you cannot lose weight. There is a huge message board (google SoulCysters.) Also try the Oxygen message boards too, I know there are some women on that board who have it as well; some even compete in figure.

[hieronymous]

Still, after diagnosis, I used PCOS as an excuse to give up. Now I'm roughly 200 pounds, I tend to either over-eat or not eat at all, I drink too much, and I can't even jog for more than five minutes straight. I love to lift weights, but having really nice abs underneath two inches of fat really isn't worth much.

I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with PCOS while trying to get fit.

It's a crutch. I supposedly have it too. I do think that insulin resistance is something that you should look into and possibly plan your eating with that in mind.

At the end of it though, you just have to control your eating, cut down on your alcohol consumption (seriously - it packs on the pounds), and continue with intense weight training. If you want to increase your cardiovascular fitness too, go for it, it won't hurt your muscle growing unless you overdo it.

[RJS2009]

I dealt with PCOS while going from 225->125. There's a before/after in my progress pics.

While PCOS is annoying and feels kind of unfair, it's still possible to lose weight. The same things that are key for losing weight for everyone else are important for us. You need to set a calorie intake that is appropriate for losing weight, you need to get sufficient protein to feel satiated with the lower calories, and you need to get good exercise.

Insulin resistance makes those first pounds a little harder, for various reasons. Once you lose those first 10 pounds or so, insulin resistance improves a lot. Lifting weights is also particularly helpful to reduce insulin resistance. Some people find taking metformin helps as well.

I don't really have any symptoms at this point at all, except that my waist to hip ratio still kind of sucks (apple shape). You can definitely do it! Set your calories, set your protein, lift weights, stick to it, and be patient. PCOS is not an excuse to give up. If anything, it's a pretty great reason to get fit.