43: The Truth About PCOS and Weight Loss

Today, Trista Chan discusses the complex relationship between PCOS and weight gain, addressing common misconceptions and the impact of weight stigma. She explores both extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributing to weight gain in individuals with PCOS, emphasizing the importance of understanding these factors rather than placing blame on personal habits. This episode also highlights the detrimental effects of weight stigma on mental and physical health, and offers practical strategies for individuals seeking to navigate their relationship with weight and health. Trista advocates for a body neutrality approach, encouraging listeners to focus on self-care and well-being rather than solely on weight loss.In this episode, you'll learn:Weight stigma can exacerbate health issues in those with PCOSIntrinsic factors like hormones play a significant role in weight gainWeight loss is often misprescribed as a treatment for unrelated health issuesBody neutrality allows for a healthier relationship with self-imageDiet and lifestyle changes can improve PCOS symptoms without focusing solely on weightEpisode links:PCOS Recovery Program ReferencesÁlvarez-Blasco F, Luque-Ramírez M, Escobar-Morreale HF. Diet composition and physical activity in overweight and obese premenopausal women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2011;27:978-81.Douglas CC, Norris LE, Oster RA, Darnell BE, Azziz R, Gower BA. Difference in dietary intake between women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy controls. Fertil Steril 2006;86:411-7Georgopoulos NA, Saltamavros AD, Vervita V, et al. Basal metabolic rate is decreased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and biochemical hyperandrogenemia and is associated with insulin resistance. Fertil Steril 2009;92:250-5. 220. Helena Teede et al. International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023. Monash University. https://doi.org/10.26180/24003834.v1Himmelstein MS, Puhl RM, Quinn DM. Intersectionality: An Understudied Framework for Addressing Weight Stigma. Am J Prev Med 2017;53:421-31.Hosseini MS, Dizavi A, Rostami H, Parastouei K, Esfandiari S. Healthy eating index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017;15:575-82Huijgen NA, Laven JS, Labee CT, Louwers YV, Willemsen SP, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Are dieting and dietary inadequacy a second hit in the association with polycystic ovary syndrome severityPLoS One 2015;10:e0142772.Moran LJ, Ranasinha S, Zoungas S, McNaughton SA, Brown WJ, Teede HJ. The contribution of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour to body mass index in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Human reproduction 2013;28:2276-83.Moran LJ, Brown WJ, McNaughton SA, Joham AE, Teede HJ. Weight management practices associated with PCOS and their relationships with diet and physical activity. Human reproduction 2017;32:669-78Moran LJ, Noakes M, Clifton PM, et al. Ghrelin and measures of satiety are altered in polycystic ovary syndrome but not differentially affected by diet composition. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2004;89:3337-44. Puhl RM, Heuer CA. The stigma of obesity: a review and update. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2009;17:941-64Robinson S, Chan SP, Spacey S, Anyaoku V, Johnston DG, Franks S. Postprandial thermogenesis is reduced in polycystic ovary syndrome and is associated with increased insulin resistance. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1992;36:537-43. 221.