Lose Weight with PCOS: Proven Strategies and Medication Insights

When you have polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder that affects how your body uses insulin and regulates metabolism. Also known as PCOS, it makes losing weight harder—not because you’re not trying, but because your body’s chemistry is working against you. Most people with PCOS deal with insulin resistance, a condition where cells don’t respond well to insulin, causing the body to store more fat, especially around the belly. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about biology. Even if you eat clean and exercise, your body may still hold onto weight because high insulin levels signal fat storage instead of fat burning.

That’s why standard diet advice often fails. Cutting calories alone rarely works long-term for PCOS. What helps is targeting the root issue: lowering insulin. Medications like metformin, a drug originally for type 2 diabetes that improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce weight gain in PCOS patients. are commonly used, and studies show they can lead to modest but meaningful weight loss—especially when paired with lifestyle changes. Exercise matters too, but not just any kind. Strength training and short bursts of high-intensity activity are more effective than long, slow cardio for balancing hormones and reducing belly fat. And while supplements like inositol show promise, they’re not magic pills—they work best as part of a bigger plan.

Many people with PCOS also take antidepressants or birth control, which can affect weight. SSRIs like sertraline are less likely to cause weight gain than others, and some birth control pills help regulate hormones without adding pounds. But if you’re on medications that make weight loss harder, talk to your doctor—there are alternatives. The goal isn’t to chase a number on the scale, but to improve how you feel, sleep, and move every day. The posts below cover real strategies: what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the confusing mix of diet trends, meds, and lifestyle changes without falling for quick fixes. You’ll find practical advice on food timing, medication side effects, and how to stay consistent when your body feels like it’s fighting you.