Anyone else insulin resistant or have PCOS?

[Flying414]

So Ive always gained weight in my stomach, not really anywhere else. I have PCOS and read today that that means I am also insulin resistant so my body has difficulty losing stomach fat. Anyone else have this problem and if so how did you overcome it to lose the stomach fat? Diet or exercise routines would be appreciated.

Also did you take any meds specifically for insulin resistant/pcos women such as Metformin? If so how did it work?

[k9pit]

i was per my blood tests about 3 years ago. I was tired ALL the time, falling asleep after eating donuts (apple fritters....mmmm), lol. my fasting blood sugar count was slightly high (pre diabetic) due to prolonged poor diet (i was a sugar junkie as a kid, lol).

i researched and started eating like a diabetic (no more than 40g carbs per meal, more complex carbs, less simple sugars, etc), I cleaned up my diet from most junk and fast foods as well and within about 6 months my fasting blood sugar was in the normal range and I was no longer tired all the time, falling asleep after higher carb meals, etc. No meds.

As far as stomach fat, it's definitely stubborn for me but I've found that keeping it low carb 3-4 days out of the week and consistent workouts work best. As well as centering the bulk of my carb intake around my workout.
Also, although many will disagree, I've found that early morning cardio with just BCAAs and Beta Alanine work wonders for fat loss.

Water weight gain is a whole 'nother thing though....if I eat carbs >100g for 3-4 days in a row, I'm ~10 lbs heavier just from water weight alone.

[Flying414]

i was per my blood tests about 3 years ago. I was tired ALL the time, falling asleep after eating donuts (apple fritters....mmmm), lol. my fasting blood sugar count was slightly high (pre diabetic) due to prolonged poor diet (i was a sugar junkie as a kid, lol).

i researched and started eating like a diabetic (no more than 40g carbs per meal, more complex carbs, less simple sugars, etc), I cleaned up my diet from most junk and fast foods as well and within about 6 months my fasting blood sugar was in the normal range and I was no longer tired all the time, falling asleep after higher carb meals, etc. No meds.

As far as stomach fat, it's definitely stubborn for me but I've found that keeping it low carb 3-4 days out of the week and consistent workouts work best. As well as centering the bulk of my carb intake around my workout.
Also, although many will disagree, I've found that early morning cardio with just BCAAs and Beta Alanine work wonders for fat loss.

Water weight gain is a whole 'nother thing though....if I eat carbs >100g for 3-4 days in a row, I'm ~10 lbs heavier just from water weight alone.
damn thats pretty crazy but thanks for the info. I should really cut back on my carbs. I feel like I put on the weight so easily, maybe I can start by just cutting out the carbs and fats as much as possible.

[ncalt10]

i was diagnosed with PCOS about 9 years ago. About a year ago I really packed on the pounds because I lost insurance and simply lost my care. I have always been on the Metformin ut more regular here recently. The pills do help to moderate my blood sugar levels. As far as diet and exercise go, intry and eat my carbs around a workout. I seldom eat cars after 3 pm. In 5 months I have dropped 54 pounds.

As for exercise, I run my butt off on cardio! The biggest things I have read are that diet and exercise are key to losing weight but especially for those who have PCOS.

Best of luck!!!!

[Crazylegs83]

damn thats pretty crazy but thanks for the info. I should really cut back on my carbs. I feel like I put on the weight so easily, maybe I can start by just cutting out the carbs and fats as much as possible.

Agree with k9pit defo, including the morning cardio with bcaa's. HIIT as below worked for myself to lose stubborn lower belly fat via treadmill:
1 Warm Up 5-10
2 Sprint 30 Sec / Rest 30 Sec - 5 Sets
3 Walk for 5 Mins
4 Burst 45-60 Sec / Walk Fast for 2-5 Mins – 5 Sets
5 10 Mins Steady State to Cool Down

[badpecan]

I have PCOS, but I am not IR. I lost about 70 lbs in one year, and then maintained the weight loss the next (I didn't make myself a priority in my own life) and returned to working towards loosing the excess body fat a few months ago. PCOS makes it so much easier to gain weight though, so even when I was maintaining I went to the gym three or four times a week.

I found that combing a low carb and low sugar diet with cardio and strength training was far more beneficial than just doing cardio. When I started weight training I began to not only see the pounds come off, but I saw a reduction in the other side effects of PCOS. You have all this excess Androgen in your system, so you might as well use it!

So, my advice is stick to low carb/low sugar and add strength training to your workout regiment. You can do it!

[halvingmyself]

I am a PCOS and IR'er... (that makes no grammatical sense but it's 1am here!). Also use to have type 2 diabetes but last bloodwork is clear :)

I also do the low carb, low sugar thang. I have lost almost 60lb now and it is crazy how it has basically all come off my belly! I believe it is due to absolute avoidance of fructose basically (no processed foods = no HFCS), and a diet quite high in fats (animal and natural fats) which some say encourages more natural fat distribution (I don't know the science behind that). I follow basic clean eating guidelines but also primal/paleo ideas about no grains, no vegetable oils, no soy, among others.

It has worked really well for me. If you want more specific info about my diet I am happy to provide it :)

[KLMARB]

I am a PCOS and IR'er... (that makes no grammatical sense but it's 1am here!). Also use to have type 2 diabetes but last bloodwork is clear :)

I also do the low carb, low sugar thang. I have lost almost 60lb now and it is crazy how it has basically all come off my belly! I believe it is due to absolute avoidance of fructose basically (no processed foods = no HFCS), and a diet quite high in fats (animal and natural fats) which some say encourages more natural fat distribution (I don't know the science behind that). I follow basic clean eating guidelines but also primal/paleo ideas about no grains, no vegetable oils, no soy, among others.

It has worked really well for me. If you want more specific info about my diet I am happy to provide it :)

Excellent. I did virtually the same thing, starting around ten years ago. Over 200lbs. of fat loss, with no regaining of any of it.

[Big Dude 54]

So Ive always gained weight in my stomach, not really anywhere else. I have PCOS and read today that that means I am also insulin resistant so my body has difficulty losing stomach fat. Anyone else have this problem and if so how did you overcome it to lose the stomach fat? Diet or exercise routines would be appreciated.

Also did you take any meds specifically for insulin resistant/pcos women such as Metformin? If so how did it work?

Having PCOS doesn't necessarily mean you are also insulin resistant. You would need to undergo further testing from an endocrinologist to determine if that is indeed the case. If indeed you are insulin resistant then Metformin is your first line treatment. There are studies that advocate a ketogenic/low-carb diet as well to help improve sensitivity to insulin. On a personal note, my wife has lost 40lbs since April after initiating a ketogenic diet and her markers have improved.

The Endocrine Society (2010, June 21)
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/2/1/35