Reducing belly fat is a tough task, but it’s more challenging for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The hormonal imbalance caused due to PCOS makes it difficult for the food to get metabolized, affecting the ability to lose weight.

This condition generally affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Before we dive into the best ways to lose belly fat, let’s try to understand the link between the two.

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What’s the Connection Between PCOS and Belly Fat?

A majority of women with PCOS have insulin resistance or high insulin. Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells in the muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily use glucose from the blood to make energy.

To make up for it, your pancreas makes more insulin. This further interferes with weight regulation and causes fat storage.

In some women, it is because of the imbalance in hunger hormones caused due to PCOS. This causes the blood sugar levels to spike & crash throughout the day.

But, that doesn’t mean that you have to quit your hopes of having a flat stomach, you can still lose your belly fat when you have PCOS. All you need to do is maintain a healthy lifestyle routine & proper dietary pattern.

How to Get Rid of PCOS Belly Fat?

Follow these easy & effective tips to reduce PCOS belly fat

1. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating promotes an increased awareness of bodily cues, such as craving, hunger, and fullness. This may help you address problematic eating behaviors such as binge eating, overeating, and emotional eating.

A few basic examples of mindful eating include Chewing food slowly, staying away from distractions such as TV, mobile phones, and computers, and taking breaks while eating.

Make notes on how your body reacts when it’s hungry or full (this will help you to recognize cues more easily and follow what your body requires).

2. Exercise Regularly

Maintaining a daily exercise routine will help you to stabilize blood sugar & reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes (2 conditions women with PCOS are at high risk for).

Studies prove that more than half of women with PCOS will have prediabetes or diabetes before they turn 40. Make sure to incorporate cardio & strength training in your workout routine, and shuffle your workout days between walking, running, weight lifting or practising bodyweight exercises.

Pilate, swimming, and yoga are also the best forms of exercise for women with PCOS. Exercise for at least 30-40 minutes every day. This will improve blood flow and increase your heart rate.

3. Eat Healthy, Eat Right

Following these eating habits will help you achieve your weight-loss goals effectively. Here are a few handpicked tips by our experts:

• Limit refined carbs: Refined carbs such as pasta & white bread can cause instant blood sugar highs and lows, making you feel more hungry.
• Reduce caffeine intake: Studies show that increased caffeine intake can interfere with your ovulation and increase the production of stress hormones, leading to hormonal disorders and blood sugar fluctuations.
• Avoid processed foods & added sugar: Processed foods and sugar may raise your blood sugar levels substantially, which may increase insulin resistance and promote obesity.
• Eat enough protein and fiber: A high-fiber diet helps to promote weight loss in women with PCOS, and protein helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you full for longer.
• Eat healthy fats: Plenty of healthy fats, such as chia seeds, dark chocolate, eggs, coconut oil, and nuts, will help you feel more satisfied and less hungry.
• Eat fermented foods: Eating foods high in probiotics such as yoghurt, idli, dosa, etc., will boost the beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting metabolism and weight maintenance.

4. Manage Stress

Stress is one of the major causes of weight gain. Stress raises cortisol levels (a hormone produced by the adrenal gland), which causes insulin resistance and weight gain.

Chronic stress can also lead to an increase in fat. In turn, fat increases inflammation, further triggering your body to generate more cortisol, creating a vicious cycle.

Focus on stress reduction practices such as yoga, meditation, and listening to soothing music to lower cortisol levels. This will help you reduce your belly fat and develop a positive mindset to make healthier decisions.

5. Follow Sleep Hygiene

Studies show that inadequate sleep increases inflammation, which makes your PCOS worse and promotes weight gain. It also increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes & cardiovascular disorders.

Here are a few sleep hygiene practices that will help you to avoid belly fat weight gain:

• Avoid using gadgets 1 hour before bedtime: The blue light emission from screens (TV, mobile, computer etc.) suppresses the secretion of melatonin & interrupts your circadian rhythm (a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle)
• Ensure 7-8 hours of restful sleep: Getting adequate sleep reduces the chances of developing belly fat by 12%. Research also indicates that every hour of additional sleep per night is associated with a decrease in body mass index (BMI) of 3.5 kg per square meter.
• Having PCOS makes it difficult & takes a while for your belly to turn flat from fat, but trust us, it’s just a game of hormones and not an uphill climb!

Fittertake

PCOS is one of the conditions that make it difficult to lose weight and achieve your health goals. Simple strategies that work for most people are not enough when it comes to those diagnosed with PCOS.

To help women with PCOS lose weight for the first time in India. We have the Fitterfly Weight Management program. A unique, safe, scientific, and sustainable program designed by doctors.

With a comprehensive approach that includes diet, fitness, sleep & stress management. We can help you achieve your health goals and learn how to maintain it. Start your journey today!

To learn more, simply give us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will contact you.