Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something? Uncovering the Signs of PCOS and How to Take Control

5. Stubborn Weight Gain: When Hormones Hijack Your Metabolism

If you’re gaining weight despite eating well and staying active, insulin resistance from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may be to blame. Many women with PCOS struggle to lose weight, particularly around the abdomen, as their bodies store fat differently due to elevated androgen levels. This isn’t about willpower—PCOS-related weight gain is linked to hormonal imbalances that affect metabolism, making it harder to shed pounds even with a healthy lifestyle.

Here’s what you need to know: Insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS, can disrupt your body’s ability to process sugar efficiently, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. But the good news? There are effective strategies to manage this, from hormone therapy and prescription medications to tailored diet and exercise plans designed to address insulin resistance and restore hormonal balance.