PCOS belly is one of the symptoms of PCOS ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’ which affects many women of childbearing age as a result of increased levels of abdominal fat.
Women with PCOS may experience cysts on the ovaries, disruptions to the menstrual cycle, as well as skin and hair changes, reduced fertility, mood changes, obesity, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure among others.
PCOS belly looks different to other types of weight gain. The shape is usually large and bloated but can also be small and round depending on genes and other factors and this implies that women with lean bodies or of normal weight can get PCOS belly.
What Causes Pcos Belly
Studies have shown that abnormally high male hormones in women and insulin resistance result in PCOS belly.
According to Dr Fatima Daoud Yilmaz, a board-certified OB-GYN at the PCOS centre at Stony Brook medicine – when the body is in a state of insulin resistance, it makes hyperandrogenism worse. The hyperandrogenism stimulates fat accumulation in the body, particularly in the midsection, and ultimately, having more fat in the body worsens insulin resistance, and the cycle keeps feeding itself.
Other factors that contribute to having a PCOS belly include hormonal imbalance, genetics, metabolism defects and inflammation.
How Can One Get Rid of PCOS Belly
PCOS belly is not without remedy; it is important to note the following for alleviating the symptoms and health problems associated with PCOS:
- Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet
- Eating anti-inflammatory foods
- Avoid processed food because they contain artificial ingredients and preservatives
- Take more of healthy fat
- Eat more of food high in protein because it helps to manage your hunger hormones and promote weight loss
- Stress less and sleep more
- Exercise
- Drink plenty of water
PCOS belly shouldn’t be neglected but be given immediate attention for ones healthy living.