Some people believe that having PCOS can make it difficult to lose weight, but the relationship between PCOS and obesity isn’t entirely clear. Not all women with PCOS struggle with their weight—in fact, in the US, about 30% of women with PCOS aren’t obese.
But research does show a link between obesity and PCOS. What’s debatable is whether obesity just contributes to the development of PCOS, or whether PCOS itself makes a person more susceptible to becoming obese.
The answer is likely a bit of both...
Scientific evidence shows that obesity contributes to the development of PCOS by exacerbating low grade inflammation and insulin resistance, which can in turn lead to the higher production of male hormones called androgens.
At the same time, evidence also shows that having PCOS causes changes in fat cell physiology and metabolism, where the creation of fat cells is enhanced, the size of fat cells are increased, and the catecholamine-stimulated burning of stored fat is reduced. Increased androgens and disruptions in appetite-regulating hormones can also lead to higher hunger levels and difficulty controlling calorie intake.
For these reasons, PCOS itself may make losing weight somewhat more challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible.
The primary driver in weight loss still comes down to creating a calorie deficit, which can be done through Avatar Nutrition. Those with PCOS may have a slower metabolism or require a more aggressive calorie deficit to lose weight, but the system will detect this after a few check-ins and will prescribe the optimal macros to keep you progressing toward your goals. No matter what condition you have, the system will learn your body and adapt its recommendations accordingly.