Weight management can be a challenging journey for those with PCOS, often due to a combination of hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation. While losing weight with PCOS can be difficult, it’s not impossible.
Learn 10 holistic strategies you can do to achieve a healthy weight and improve your overall health.
10 Holistic Approaches To Lose Weight with PCOS
1. Adopt a Low-Glycemic Diet
Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) increase blood sugar levels more slowly, which can help with managing your insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Focus on whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables.
2. Incorporate Regular Physical Activity
Exercise helps to lower insulin resistance. But this doesn’t mean you need to run marathons – even gentle, consistent activities such as yoga, swimming, or walking can have significant benefits on your health and Body Mass Index (BMI).
3. Manage Stress
Stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms, including weight gain. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can reduce stress and balance cortisol levels.
4. Get Sufficient Sleep
Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone balance, including insulin and cortisol. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night to help regulate your body’s natural rhythms.
5. Consider Herbal Supplements
Some herbs such as cinnamon and turmeric have been found to help manage PCOS symptoms by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.
6. Stay Hydrated
7. Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods
8. Practice Mindful Eating
9. Track Your Progress
10. Meet with a Holistic Specialist
- Nutritional Therapy (oral or IV)
- Neural Therapy
- Peptides
- Herbs
- Minerals
- Coaching and Education
- Dietary Guidance
- Ongoing Support (to ensure you are correctly following the treatment plan)
- Weight loss programming when needed
What are the Symptoms of PCOS?
- Infertility (due to irregular or absent ovulation)
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Polycystic Ovaries (small cysts known as follicles on the ovaries)
- Acne
- Excessive Hair Growth
- Insulin Resistance (leading to higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Inflammation (affecting the lining of the uterus and the body as a whole)
- Pelvic Pain
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease