Why is losing weight harder for women with PCOS?

In a recent episode of Pinoy MD, oncologist Dr. Isaac David Ampil II said having PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) can really make losing weight harder than it already is.

“It’s because of hormonal imbalance,” Ampil began. “With PCOS, ‘ yong male hormones dumadami so yung nangyayari — di ba yung males, ang tendency niyan, dumadamin yung fat sa may abdomen, nagkakaruon ng bilbil. Iyon din ang nangyayari sa mga babae [na may PCOS],” he explains.

“Kasama sa pag-gain ng weight yung hindi paglabas ng maduming dugo sa katawan,” said 22-year-old Lucy Valdez, who didn’t get her period because of PCOS.

Because of her condition and her naturally healthy appetite, Lucy gained weight. At her heaviest, the 4’11-lady tipped the scales at 142 lbs.

But having PCOS shouldn’t be an excuse to not take care of yourself. In fact, it should encourage women with PCOS to help themselves even more.

When Lucy lost weight, she didn’t just feel better and look better, but her condition also got better; her menstruation, for one, became regular.

According to Lucy, regular workouts were a big help. Running every day for even just 10-15 minutes did a lot of good — as long as the pace is good and her heart rate was up — as 1-minute planks and 30-second leg scissors. “Kailangan consistent ka.” She says.

She complemented her daily workouts with a healthier diet, too. Lucy personally buys her groceries and cooks her own food. She now uses olive oil, prefers chicken breast (less fat, more protein), and has doubled down on fruits. 

"Sobrang super worth it. Yung lifestyle ko, um-okay na. At mas minahal ko ang sarili ko  by taking care of myself," Lucy said. — LA, GMA News