Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 hrs ago
Why weight loss can be harder for women with PCOS
PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can make weight loss challenging for some women.
Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, but not every woman with PCOS has it.
When the body responds poorly to insulin, higher insulin levels can encourage fat storage and increase hormone levels linked to symptoms such as irregular periods and unwanted facial hair.
Other hormone disorders can cause similar symptoms, so irregular periods or an ultrasound alone are not enough to diagnose PCOS.
Sustainable habits, including balanced meals, regular activity, strength training, sleep and stress management, can help; even a 5–10% weight reduction may improve health for women who are overweight.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, medicines may be considered under medical supervision.
PCOS can make weight loss more difficult because it is a hormonal and metabolic condition, not simply a matter of lifestyle.
Insulin resistance, which is common but not present in every woman with PCOS, can contribute to higher insulin levels and fat storage.
Weight gain can worsen insulin resistance, creating a cycle that makes weight management harder.
A doctor says evaluation should also consider other hormonal conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Sustainable lifestyle changes are important, and medical treatments may be considered under supervision.
- Who
- Women with PCOS, and Dr Seema Daksh, a consultant endocrinologist at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida.
- What
- The article explains why weight loss can be challenging with PCOS and describes possible approaches to management.
- When
- The article was published on November 2, 2026.
- Where
- The article was published by Hindustan Times; Dr Daksh works at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida.
- Why
- Insulin resistance and hormonal factors can make weight management harder; other hormonal conditions may also cause similar symptoms.
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- Publication date
- November 2, 2026
- Doctor
- Dr Seema Daksh
- Hospital
- Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida
- Possible weight reduction
- 5–10% can bring meaningful improvements in metabolic health for women who are overweight
- Lifestyle approach
- Balanced meals, regular physical activity, resistance training, adequate sleep and stress management
What people are saying
Hypothyroidism, high prolactin levels and non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause menstrual disturbances or features of androgen excess.
At the same time, it is important to remember that sometimes, difficulty losing weight may have another hormonal explanation: the secondary causes of PCOS.