PCOS and calorie counting

Serafimangel

Hey, i am going to the doctor tomorrow because I have all the symptoms of PCOS, and I was wondering if there were any sufferers on MFP?
If so, as one of the symptoms is a difficulty losing/gaining weight, would my calorie goals be lower than a normal person of my category (sex/height/weight etc)? I know it is different for everyone anyway, but I was wondering if the difference is very significant with PCOS? Like maybe I would always be at 250 calories less even if I just want to maintain, or 500 less or something.

I wont find out tomorrow as I will have to do for tests, but it seems like a pretty good chance that I do have it. Will probably end up posting again if i find out I do (or don't).
But I am pretty worried, any advice at all on PCOS would be much appreciated.

StarryEyed500

Bump

omma_to_3

It depends on your individual body. For me, if I exercise it makes a huge difference and I can eat like a 'normal' person trying to lose weight. If I am dieting only, I do find I should eat less. I would set my goal for losing 2 lbs. a week but then would lose 1 lb. Which was fine. Others have had a lot of success with a reduced carb diet (though that didn't do much for me and I find it too hard to stick to).

Start with a normal goal, add some exercise, and you should be OK. If you can't exercise, cut back on calories or carbs.

katielauren2001

I have PCOS and I think that taking fast releasing carbs out of your diet (such as white bread, pasta, spaghetti, potatoes etc) and replacing them with slow releasing carbs such as wholegrain bread, pasta, spaghetti, quinoa, sweet potatoes, new potatoes. Search Low GI on google, and you shall find lists of the foods that are low, high and moderate on the Glycemic index. Please avoid taking any food groups out of your diet such as wheat and dairy, as you do need these food groups for an essential healthy diet.

carolann_22

I don't have to cut back on calories (losing at around 2000 a day) but I do have to cut back on carbs (under 50g net, from veggies, nuts, seeds and berries, is what I need to see the scale move). I can eat 1200 cals a day but if there are too many carbs then I can GAIN on that amount. Exercise also helps, a LOT!

Silverstar46

I have followed the recommendations on MFP and found that I lose pretty easily. Even when the scale isn't going down (like recently), I just measured and found out I lost 4.25 inches all over my body. So as long as you follow the guidelines, you should be okay.

But if you can, stay away from carb rich foods because they are part of what causes your PCOS symptoms. The weight around your stomach and hips is from insulin resistance which is caused by eating too many carbs and your body producing insulin to such a degree that your body stops using it to break down the carbs and instead it all becomes fat.

robynj88

I've been diagnosed and am now taking metformin which really helps, but I was still losing before that sticking to 1200 calories a day and following a low GI diet (I'm 5'3 and started at 12st 10lbs, now 12st 1lbs). Its not so much the calories you need to look out for with PCOS, its the carbs and sugars. PCOS can make you insulin-resistant so you need to follow a similar diet to what a diabetic would. Just cutting out bread altogether has made a massive difference to my measurements!!

korsicash

I also have PCOS and I find that white carbs are my enemy. Like no pasta enemy but I have managed to loose the weight. You can do it!!!!!!

lsapphire

I have a friend and she uses an ADA diet given to her by her doctor. Complex carbs, no added sugar, etc.

minime2b

I have PCOS and I think that taking fast releasing carbs out of your diet (such as white bread, pasta, spaghetti, potatoes etc) and replacing them with slow releasing carbs such as wholegrain bread, pasta, spaghetti, quinoa, sweet potatoes, new potatoes. Search Low GI on google, and you shall find lists of the foods that are low, high and moderate on the Glycemic index. Please avoid taking any food groups out of your diet such as wheat and dairy, as you do need these food groups for an essential healthy diet.

This ^ my daughter has it and when she was first trying to get pregnant the Dr put her on Metformin. She new she had always responded well to watching her carbs and we figured this is the reason. She finds she loses weight the best by being a Low Calorie/Smart Carb dieter. I hope this helps

FHerndon01

I count calories, but also like the others limit carbs. I have cut all white breads, pastas, etc from my diet. When I do eat carbs I stick to whole grains, etc. I also pay attention to how much sugar I eat. I tend to try and eat fruits that are no higher than medium to high in sugar. I also exercise a wicked amount. When combined with the metforim I was put on for PCOS I have dropped 20 lbs in less than 5 weeks. Everyone is going to different since PCOS has a variety of different issues but you'll figure out what works for you.

kissy28wv

I have PCOS but have been following the guidelines on MFP for the last 35 days and lost 19lbs. I don't eat white bread or white sugar but I have slipped a few times and it does make me stall temporarily. I am off of metformin and my blood sugars are within normal. Don't cut back on calories just eat good calories like fruits, nuts, protein, and veggies.

Ociases

I think I do end up having to eat less than people without PCOS but it helps to reduce refined carbs and processed foods in general. These days I'm eating 1350-1600 calories and burning anywhere between 300-800 calories in the gym. When I don't go to the gym I try to keep my calorie intake between 1200-1400. The weight loss is slow but definitely not impossible. I've lost a total of 85 pounds since my highest when I was diagnosed with PCOS around 5 years ago. Exercise is my best friend though. I feel like I can eat like a normal person and still lose weight when I put my time in at the gym.

Yanicka1

PCOS is linked with lower metabolism. That being said, under eating is not the solution. It is better to work on your metabolism,that way, you can lose weight long term and not be completely miserable

melkneec

I agree with the others. Everyone is different. I had to learn how to listen to my body after I was told I had PCOS. It has been a roller coaster road. A really good doctor will go a long way with PCOS. It can make a big difference. Some doctors don't feel that PCOS is something to be concerned with and others just don't know enough about it to help. There are also many books on www.amazon.com if you would like to read more about it. I'd say the library may have them too.

I found that the lower carb works better for weight loss. I'm on the atkins diet to lose weight and complex carbs only to maintain my weight. I feel better and can lose weight.

slsmoot123

I have PCOS and I think that taking fast releasing carbs out of your diet (such as white bread, pasta, spaghetti, potatoes etc) and replacing them with slow releasing carbs such as wholegrain bread, pasta, spaghetti, quinoa, sweet potatoes, new potatoes. Search Low GI on google, and you shall find lists of the foods that are low, high and moderate on the Glycemic index. Please avoid taking any food groups out of your diet such as wheat and dairy, as you do need these food groups for an essential healthy diet.

I have PCOS and I've done essentially the same thing. I couldnt take metformin because it just made me feel sick to the stomach all day. One day at work I actually did get sick so I quit the stuff and went natural. I've significantly cut out sugar from my diet to help my insulin levels go down--I am insulin resistant. The best advice is to continue to do internet research on PCOS since so few people really know what it is. Learn about insulin resistance because its an eye-opener, and I think its one of the reasons why I've been so unsuccessful at trying to lose weight in the past. Good luck!

Teeladog

I have PCOS and thyroid disease too. I have known about both of them for 12 years or so. My thyroid is well controlled on medication.

Honestly, I haven't really found weight loss with PCOS to be any more challenging for me than it is for my friends that don't have it. Yes, I have to pay attention to what I eat but so does everyone else I know that wants to lose weight. If I am doing what I am supposed to and keep my calories within the guidelines set on MFP then I lose...if not then I don't.

Having said that, PCOS is a syndrome that covers A LOT of territory. Any number of hormones can be out of whack and every person diagnosed with PCOS can have a completely different blood panel. My sister and I both have PCOS and in both of our cases it was one hormone that was out of normal range. I know people with PCOS that have every hormone they check out of whack. I would imagine that a lot depends on which hormone it affects and how off it is.

You are going to have to experiment with what works for you. My guess is that it is going to have more to do with WHAT foods you eat that it will have to do with removing additional calories from your diet. You might find that you can eat 1500 calories of food with low carbs and do great but the same number calories with high carbs stops all progress, for example.

Good luck!

buckeye_mommy82

I have PCOS also and find that I my weigh loss (and mood) is much better when I excercise. All of the other posts about the carbs are dead on for me too. I eat whole grains, veggies and fruits as much as possible. Low GI food, or PCOS friendly diets and recipes are online too which helps get you on the right track for better things to eat. I am not on metformin, but a close friend of mine with PCOS is and it helped her greatly. Mostly, if I want something that isn't the best for me - I just have a little and make sure that I hit the gym. Good luck!

jreed1920

I don't need to eat less calories but I absolutely need to exercise and keeping a 40/30/30 C/P/F balance helps keep everything regulated for me.

katielauren2001

Well I didn't get offered any medication but I've heard you can get really bad side effects from Metformin. I don't think it is good to rely on medication as clearly it is only a short term fix. Eat well and exercise plenty and drink lots of water, and take extra supplements if you like such as fish oils (which I've heard to be beneficial to PCOS sufferers)
Please research any supplements or herbal remedies thoroughly before taking them though. I was going to take some Chromium Picolinate which I'd heard can help with weightloss for those with PCOS but found it can cause DNA mutations. Again on the internet there are some sites and ebooks that advise you to cut out essential food groups from your diet. I don't think that is necessary unless you have an allergy or intolerance to such food groups.
It is harder for women with PCOS to lose weight but it will be worth it! I think slower weight loss is better for longterm maintance so please do not be disheartened if your weight does not drop at the same rate as those without PCOS. Good luck in your weight loss journey and anyone that wishes to talk about PCOS can add or message on here

Lyric82

I have PCOS and haven't found success for years..Currently I've lost 22lbs since Jan.1st and this is what I do..

1200 calories
at least 100g of protein a day
low sugar
low carb
work out 5 days a week (5 days - cardo for at least 45 min / weight training 3 days a week)
at least 12 cups of water
no soda
no alcohol

CLEAN EATING IS THE WAY TO GO!!! GOOD LUCK :flowerforyou:

ashalabrown

A low carb diet has worked for me. Do NOT eliminate carbs all together just lower the amount.

wongleweed

I have PCOS and am on Metformin. The Dr also told me to stick with an Atkins type diet, but a dietitian told me to do low GI. I have an incredibly hard time losing weight!

anfmusicgrl

Calorie Counting works good for me. However, the largest changes definitely happened when steering away from the refined carbs, sodas, artificial sweetners, etc.

I do take Metformin, but have for 2 years. I did not lose weight from taking it alone. I DO lose weight from exercise, eating a more balanced diet, and watching carb/sugar intake. The Metformin still works from the way my Dr described, by allowing my body to process the carbs I eat and utilize them in the way my body is supposed to.

I have less upset stomach from Metformin after about 2-3 months of taking it **Consistently**. It did bother my stomach at first. However, with time, the side effects went away. However, if you took it before you began watching your carb consumption....this could be why you had such bad side effects. Perhaps those of you who now have integrated a healthy diet, and lower glycemic, should consider or discuss Metformin with your Doctor if you continue to show any sort of insulin resistance.

I've found with a balance of diet, exercise, and metformin, I have not had issues in losing fat/weight in comparision to others. I am losing at 2-3lb per week. (Eating more than the calorie allottment figured when using 2lbs as the goal in MFP) I upped the calories to be more accurate to my BMR. My metabolism which I once thought was slow, is obviously functioning quite properly and efficiently, when I am still able to lose at those rates while eating higher calories than MFP even calculated. I attribute this to the mix of strength training, and the quality of diet.

I gained weight for YEARS and ate no more than my family who is tiny, or my slender friends. Is it harder for us to lose weight?? Yes, in terms of we have to really pay attention to our different nutritional needs...and No, in the aspect that if you really do everything you can to work with the PCOS, you can maximize your results to match those who do not have it.

The ONE thing that sucks: I do notice I am losing in opposite of many women who probably do not have PCOS. My butt, thighs, legs were the FIRST things to slim down. I can go to the beach and be proud of how my legs look, and my butt is quite small for my size HOWEVER, my stomach/waist is shrinking at such a slower rate. It is quite obvious my body and the PCOS still love to keep fat stored around my middle.. but...it will have to go eventually, lol. I just keep plowing along...and eventually, I won't be a walking PCOS poster board

vonnetta23

It's good to see that I am not alone in this PCOS struggle! :-) I was first diagnosed with it back in 2006, but I didn't start treatment until August 2010 when I noticed the symptoms had become worst (bigger waistline, hair thinning, lack of cycles, etc). I was prescribed Metformin and advised to lose at least 20 lbs. I started at 182 lbs (I'm 5'4), and by February 2011, I dropped to 162 lbs. I was on a plateau for quite a while, but as of today, I am down to 153 lbs. Metformin isn't for everyone, but it was a HUGE help for me- along with watching my calorie intake (about 1200 per day). I've also cut out fried foods, limited my carb intake- although I am a sucker for pasta and bread, but I did replace them with whole grain pasta and whole wheat bread. :-) Other changes includes increasing my veggie, fruit and water intake. Water makes a huge difference as well. But the most important thing; and it goes hand in hand with eating healthy- is EXERCISE. I do 40 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week. Some days, I do incorporate strength training; but for the most part, it's cardio- 20 on the elliptical and 20 on the stationary bike. You can take all the great advice that has been posted on here (and it is some great advice- I'm still learning), but the bottom line- do what works for you. You'll probably have to go through a "trial and error" period to figure that out. Once you do, CONSISTANCY will become a lot easier and you will be well on your way to reaching your goal. Don't expect results overnight or within a short period of tiime; eventually you will see a difference. Hope my testimony will be of some help and motivation for you and others. :-)

Moviedust

I was diagnosed in September, 2011 and since then they have put me on metformin (1500mg a day, in small increasing portions though until I got up to that level). I found that before that I was exercising and eating mostly right and I wasn't losing much at all. Once they put me on the metformin I started losing about 5 lbs a month WITHOUT exercising (I was eating a mostly low GI diet though, but I was doing that before). I do get some plateaus but it usually doesn't take too long to get through it. The reason that they gave me the metformin was not actually the weight loss it was because we are TTC but it's nice to know that it helps! I have recently started exercising again along with that because I would like to lose more quickly again and be in better shape. So far I've lost 28 lbs.

mollsmachine

I just received my ultrasound results today, and while the blood work is still pending my doctor said I have evidence on my ovaries that are consistent to PCOS. I have many of the symptoms as well, so it's quite likely I'll be diagnosed and I hope they can put me on medicines to help.
I am also recovering from anorexia, and while in recovery my weight maintained for a few months, but after it shot up quite significantly.
My diet is pretty healthy i think (?) I exercise at least 4 times a week, and I also have hypothyroid.
I'm really concerned about my weight and not sure what to do.
But this thread is helpful, thank you..

ravenstar25

I have PCOS and cannot eat above 1000 calories a day and consistently lose weight, even though I am morbidly obese. I do not have insulin resistance, so the carb and sugar thing makes no difference. Not all PCOS sufferers have insulin problems.

I spent 2 years dieting to the extreme, 800-1000 calories a day unless I "snapped" and "binged" (eating 1500 a day). After two years of this I lost 85 pounds. Yes, I exercised daily. Yes, I tried higher intakes. The weight loss completely stops for me at about 1300-1400 a day. Yes, I'm sure some know it all will come here and tell me I'm doing it all wrong and anyone who says this to my face will suffer physical violence. Having PCOS is living in hell. No doctor has been of any help to me whatsoever. They test my cholesterol and sugar every time I go because they are pretty sure I'm lying and secretly gorge my face to be this fat. My cholesterol and blood sugar have never been elevated, because I don't eat enough for the numbers to go up. I took a 4 hour insulin resistance test, nothing wrong.

I am on this site because I am dedicated to losing weight, even if it means I will have to eat 800 calories a day and exercise an hour a day just to lose two pounds a week. This does, in fact, seem to be the case.

ravenstar25

I just received my ultrasound results today, and while the blood work is still pending my doctor said I have evidence on my ovaries that are consistent to PCOS. I have many of the symptoms as well, so it's quite likely I'll be diagnosed and I hope they can put me on medicines to help.
I am also recovering from anorexia, and while in recovery my weight maintained for a few months, but after it shot up quite significantly.
My diet is pretty healthy i think (?) I exercise at least 4 times a week, and I also have hypothyroid.
I'm really concerned about my weight and not sure what to do.
But this thread is helpful, thank you..

It's not surprising. I'm anorexic as well. It ruins your metabolism.

boxem180

What's worked for me so far is a lower carb diet and daily exercise. I try to get over 100 grams of protein and less than 150 grams of carbs a day. I work out 7 days a week (3 strength training/cardio sessions and 4just cardio/yoga). I find I barely lose if I don't exercise so exercising daily is mandatory for me. I have also reduced my intake of alcohol to 1-2 days a month and that has helped a lot.
Fingers crossed that I've figured things out.

pamperedlinny

I don't have to cut back on calories (losing at around 2000 a day) but I do have to cut back on carbs (under 50g net, from veggies, nuts, seeds and berries, is what I need to see the scale move). I can eat 1200 cals a day but if there are too many carbs then I can GAIN on that amount. Exercise also helps, a LOT!

I have PCOS and all of this is exactly true for me. Also, I find the more exercise I do the less symptoms I have.
I wouldn't recommend completely cutting any food group out... but lessening refined carbs and getting more slow releasing carbs in thier place as well as reducing the number of them makes another huge difference.