CICO and PCOS
Replies
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The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
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I have PCOS with insulin resistance and hypothyroid. CICO isn't a diet method, it's how the body works. Figuring out your personal calorie deficit to lose weight is harder for those of us with metabolic issues because our metabolisms aren't as efficient and our CO is lower. Therefore we often need a steeper deficit than the calculators suggest. That doesn't mean CICO doesn't work or apply, it just means we are working with different variables.
Weight loss has been slow for me because I can't realistically eat below a certain calorie threshold (1500 for me) without being hangry and irritable all the time. But I lost the first 25 lb more easily that I expected by dropping my calories a bit. I personally find it helpful to lower carbs, because I don't get the roller coaster blood sugar on low carb, and because fat is satiating to me. Eating more carbs makes it harder for me to restrict my calories and get into a deficit, so less carbs makes it much easier. Not all PCOS ladies need low carb, but we all need a deficit to lose weight. It isn't magic or luck that some can lose with these conditions, it's figuring out what works for you and accepting that there will probably be some sacrifices involved. I had to begrudgingly accept that for me, I was eating more than I thought and that carbs were part of the problem for me. I miss bread sometimes, but I like wearing smaller clothes more. It's not fair, but that's life!4 -
The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
I agree, but if you are always tired and cannot find the energy to work or do daily activities, this is by far a bigger problem than weight issues and you need to be treated!0 -
The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
Inactivity leads to lower calories out, which is the CO part of CICO. CICO means "calories in calories out" and refers to the difference between the number of calories you eat vs the number of calories you burn. Eating too many or burning too few calories both end in a surplus of calories, which is what leads to weight gain. If you choose to eat the right amount for your expenditure, you will not gain weight.1 -
amyinthetardis1231 wrote: »I have PCOS with insulin resistance and hypothyroid. CICO isn't a diet method, it's how the body works. Figuring out your personal calorie deficit to lose weight is harder for those of us with metabolic issues because our metabolisms aren't as efficient and our CO is lower. Therefore we often need a steeper deficit than the calculators suggest. That doesn't mean CICO doesn't work or apply, it just means we are working with different variables.
Weight loss has been slow for me because I can't realistically eat below a certain calorie threshold (1500 for me) without being hangry and irritable all the time. But I lost the first 25 lb more easily that I expected by dropping my calories a bit. I personally find it helpful to lower carbs, because I don't get the roller coaster blood sugar on low carb, and because fat is satiating to me. Eating more carbs makes it harder for me to restrict my calories and get into a deficit, so less carbs makes it much easier. Not all PCOS ladies need low carb, but we all need a deficit to lose weight. It isn't magic or luck that some can lose with these conditions, it's figuring out what works for you and accepting that there will probably be some sacrifices involved. I had to begrudgingly accept that for me, I was eating more than I thought and that carbs were part of the problem for me. I miss bread sometimes, but I like wearing smaller clothes more. It's not fair, but that's life!
Co-signed. Well explained.
4 -
The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
I agree, but if you are always tired and cannot find the energy to work or do daily activities, this is by far a bigger problem than weight issues and you need to be treated!
Right! So we agree that hypo can cause weight gain. I feel like we are talking in circles here cuz that's what I was saying and then you said it doesn't really cause weight gain. But it clearly does, cuz if it lowers your metabolism, keeps you feeling hungry, makes you tired and takes away your energy that all logically leads to weight gain. The point of the discussion was not about being treated or not, it was the side effects of hypo and how they can assist with weight gain and make it hard to lose. Now that I'm diagnosed, perhaps treatment will help me in my weight loss journey.
0 -
The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
I agree, but if you are always tired and cannot find the energy to work or do daily activities, this is by far a bigger problem than weight issues and you need to be treated!
Right! So we agree that hypo can cause weight gain. I feel like we are talking in circles here cuz that's what I was saying and then you said it doesn't really cause weight gain. But it clearly does, cuz if it lowers your metabolism, keeps you feeling hungry, makes you tired and takes away your energy that all logically leads to weight gain. The point of the discussion was not about being treated or not, it was the side effects of hypo and how they can assist with weight gain and make it hard to lose. Now that I'm diagnosed, perhaps treatment will help me in my weight loss journey.
Hypothyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain. Of about 5 kilos or so, which will indeed be lost once you get proper treatment.
What I am saying is that many people attribute to hypothyroidism being double the normal weight, which is just not going to happen.0 -
The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
Inactivity leads to lower calories out, which is the CO part of CICO. CICO means "calories in calories out" and refers to the difference between the number of calories you eat vs the number of calories you burn. Eating too many or burning too few calories both end in a surplus of calories, which is what leads to weight gain. If you choose to eat the right amount for your expenditure, you will not gain weight.
Right. But if you suffer from something that effects your choices and takes that control away you will have a difficult time being successful. I'm not arguing that CICO is not the basic need for weight loss. Cuz it is. I'm just saying if you suffer from things that cause your body to work against you, physically and mentally, it's harder to lose and perhaps adjustments have to be made to make your body work for you. Whether that's medication to treat the condition or taking away Carbs, or eating even lower than your recommend calorie goal as others with metabolic issues have suggested.
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The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
I agree, but if you are always tired and cannot find the energy to work or do daily activities, this is by far a bigger problem than weight issues and you need to be treated!
Right! So we agree that hypo can cause weight gain. I feel like we are talking in circles here cuz that's what I was saying and then you said it doesn't really cause weight gain. But it clearly does, cuz if it lowers your metabolism, keeps you feeling hungry, makes you tired and takes away your energy that all logically leads to weight gain. The point of the discussion was not about being treated or not, it was the side effects of hypo and how they can assist with weight gain and make it hard to lose. Now that I'm diagnosed, perhaps treatment will help me in my weight loss journey.
Hypothyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain. Of about 5 kilos or so, which will indeed be lost once you get proper treatment.
What I am saying is that many people attribute to hypothyroidism being double the normal weight, which is just not going to happen.
I just don't believe you can suffer from the perfect storm of weight gaining attributes and only think it's going to cost you gaining 11 pounds. Then again maybe it's different for me since its coupled with PCOS which also can have a side effect of weight gain. I just find it surprising that "weight gain" would be listed as a major side effect of hypo if we are only talking about 5-10 pounds.0 -
I have pcos and hypothyroidism. I was eating healthy and exercising daily for about 4 months and didn't lose a pound. I started watching my carbs and stayed under 20 a day, cut out soda, kept my sugar very low, reduced stress in my life, made sure i got adequate sleep and i lost about 20 pounds and then i introduced carbs back into my diet. Now i just make sure i stay at my calorie goal and keep active and I am losing about 1-4 pounds a week depending on what week of my cycle it is. Weight loss with hypothyroidism and pcos can be very tricky. Stress and sleep are big factors along with diet and exercise. Make sure you keep your stress levels down and your sleep at least 7 hours
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I also have a sedentary job, 8+ hours a day of sitting.. i invested in an under the desk bicycle and it has been amazing so far and keeps me active through out the day without putting much thought into it.0
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JulieSHelms wrote: »According to my endocrinologist, I have a 'whopper' of a case of PCOS--for about 25 years now. I had to take fertility meds to conceive, needed a hair transplant for stage 4 male-pattern baldness, and was headed toward diabetes fast.
One doctor warned me that women with PCOS cannot lose weight--the best they can hope for is to maintain. So I showed her and lost 130+ lbs!
I lost the first 30 by simply removing almost all carbs and not limiting calories at all, and I never exercised. That worked great till it stopped working. So carbs are definitely an issue with PCOS and IR weight control--but they aren't the whole story.
The final 100 lbs I lost with CICO. I did the calculator with MFP and it was right on target--most of the time I was at 1200 cal for 2 lb/week loss. I lost a little faster than that, but probably because I disregarded my exercise calories. I try to be reasonable with carbs, but I didn't cut them back like in the beginning--and the weight has come off.
Based on advice from people here on MFP I started weight training. I had begun regular cardio workouts, but a few people said the weights and lifting as heavy as I could helps with IR. Not sure about why, but it seems to be true. So now I have lost 130, weigh less than I did before I started gaining as a teen AND I'm in shape like never before because of the exercise at 50 years old!
I also have thyroid issues, but they remain undiagnosed, since the symptoms are baffling to the dr. I have masses on my thyroid that seem to be doing all the regulating. BUT since losing the weight I feel no more effects from that and my last ultrasound was the first in 10 years that showed no new growth of the masses--could be because I lost the weight. I was also able to get off beta blockers I was taking because my thyroid was causing arrhythmia in my heart--and that has completely stopped now.
I haven't taken the step to get off Metformin yet, but I'd like to. I'm also on Spironolactone which is holding my hair in my head (testosterone blocker) and I'll probably never get off that.
But you can do this. Be faithful to CICO, start some sort of weight training to battle the IR, and be dedicated to the long haul!
Such an inspiration!1 -
nicolelarocca9765 wrote: »I have pcos and hypothyroidism. I was eating healthy and exercising daily for about 4 months and didn't lose a pound. I started watching my carbs and stayed under 20 a day, cut out soda, kept my sugar very low, reduced stress in my life, made sure i got adequate sleep and i lost about 20 pounds and then i introduced carbs back into my diet. Now i just make sure i stay at my calorie goal and keep active and I am losing about 1-4 pounds a week depending on what week of my cycle it is. Weight loss with hypothyroidism and pcos can be very tricky. Stress and sleep are big factors along with diet and exercise. Make sure you keep your stress levels down and your sleep at least 7 hours
Thank you for this! I know I couldn't be the only one having these conditions and finding it difficult to lose with just calorie counting and exercising. It seems like reducing carbs, at least at first, might be the key as it seems to have worked for many others. I might give it a try. I feel like I get enough sleep and I do try to keep stress at a minimum. Are you on any medications for either disorder?
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I noticed you said you were on Metformin. Do you think that assisted in your weight loss? I've had doctors tell me that it can help me lose weight, but I've never stayed on it long as it makes me feel sick.
No, I think just hard work is what it takes to lose weight. When I first started Metformin 15 years ago, I did drop about 15 lbs initially but I was also battling constant nausea and diarrhea from taking it. We adjusted my dose down and down again to find what I could tolerate--then that lost weight came back on.
What Metformin did for me was slow the rate of weight gain. Before it I was completely out of control gaining about 10-12 lbs/year. After I started metformin my rate went to about 2 lbs/year. So my first 10 years untreated I gained about 100 lbs. The last 15 years treated I gained 30 lbs.
I'm just now reaching maintenance. After I maintain for a good chunk of time, I'm going to try going off it and observing the effects. I just don't want to change too many variables at once.
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Personally I have PCOS too. I have tried different contraceptive pills and yaz works best for me. I did not gain weight while I'm on it. The others that I have tried all caused weight gain. Are you on any contraceptives? Sometimes those pills are the main culprit for not allowing you to lose weight.
I have tried all sorts of diets to lose weight and failed. The fruit diet (worse thing ever. All I'm eating is just sugar), the salad diet, the no carbs diet. Let me add, I was on other contraceptives not yaz while i tried all these diets. I was not happy while going through that weight loss phase.
I only start losing weight and able to maintain the weight I am at now when I decided that weight is just a number and I choose to live my life happily. Also, during this period I was away from my home country. I had to cook my own food in order to safe money so I'm not 100% sure if it helps with weight loss. My diet consisted of lots of vegetables and one type of fruit a day ( for e.g. A small banana or a handful of grapes/berries). I also had only 2 meals a day as I had to go for class and eating 3 meals wasn't possible.
Try going for weight lifting classes, it helps to boost metabolism and the more muscle you have, the more weight you will lose. Also increase your protein intake and reduce fat intake. Try to have just a fruit a day as sugar content for fruits are quite high. Feel free to ask anything and I will try to help as much as possible. I have gone through the "hell period" of depression during the weight loss phase. X1 -
nicolelarocca9765 wrote: »I have pcos and hypothyroidism. I was eating healthy and exercising daily for about 4 months and didn't lose a pound. I started watching my carbs and stayed under 20 a day, cut out soda, kept my sugar very low, reduced stress in my life, made sure i got adequate sleep and i lost about 20 pounds and then i introduced carbs back into my diet. Now i just make sure i stay at my calorie goal and keep active and I am losing about 1-4 pounds a week depending on what week of my cycle it is. Weight loss with hypothyroidism and pcos can be very tricky. Stress and sleep are big factors along with diet and exercise. Make sure you keep your stress levels down and your sleep at least 7 hours
Thank you for this! I know I couldn't be the only one having these conditions and finding it difficult to lose with just calorie counting and exercising. It seems like reducing carbs, at least at first, might be the key as it seems to have worked for many others. I might give it a try. I feel like I get enough sleep and I do try to keep stress at a minimum. Are you on any medications for either disorder?
I am on synthroid for my hypothyroidism. The generic version (levothyroxine) did not work for me. Also, my lab work/levels have been in the low range of "normal" but I still had symptoms so my endo started treating me according to my symptoms versus my lab work. If you take medicine for your thyroid problems make sure you take it the same time every day, avoid food for at minimum 30 minutes (i wait an hour), no caffeine stimulants for atleast 2 hours (something i have come to figure out over the years), and no vitamins for 4 hours (i take mine at night or lunch time). I'm not on anything for the pcos, the only thing i have ever heard of to control that is birth control and my endo and ob/gyn decided it was best if i didn't get on birth control because of the thyroid problems.
How long have you had these two?
These go hand in hand since they are both apart of the endocrine system. Sometimes if you can take control of the PCOS the same will happen with the hypothyroid issue and vice versa.0 -
nicolelarocca9765 wrote: »I also have a sedentary job, 8+ hours a day of sitting.. i invested in an under the desk bicycle and it has been amazing so far and keeps me active through out the day without putting much thought into it.
I've never heard of that. Now I've got to get one!
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I read somewhere that reducing your weight by atleast 8% of your total body weight could possibly reverse pcos. How true that is, idk I am not a doctor, lol. But i can say that with the 29 pounds that I have lost my periods are not as heavy and I don't feel like I am dying.
Ovulating cycle on the other hand is a totally different story... 1 -
nicolelarocca9765 wrote: »I also have a sedentary job, 8+ hours a day of sitting.. i invested in an under the desk bicycle and it has been amazing so far and keeps me active through out the day without putting much thought into it.
I've never heard of that. Now I've got to get one!
I got the Marcy brand, it's around $35 on amazon
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The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
I agree, but if you are always tired and cannot find the energy to work or do daily activities, this is by far a bigger problem than weight issues and you need to be treated!
Right! So we agree that hypo can cause weight gain. I feel like we are talking in circles here cuz that's what I was saying and then you said it doesn't really cause weight gain. But it clearly does, cuz if it lowers your metabolism, keeps you feeling hungry, makes you tired and takes away your energy that all logically leads to weight gain. The point of the discussion was not about being treated or not, it was the side effects of hypo and how they can assist with weight gain and make it hard to lose. Now that I'm diagnosed, perhaps treatment will help me in my weight loss journey.
Hypothyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain. Of about 5 kilos or so, which will indeed be lost once you get proper treatment.
What I am saying is that many people attribute to hypothyroidism being double the normal weight, which is just not going to happen.
I just don't believe you can suffer from the perfect storm of weight gaining attributes and only think it's going to cost you gaining 11 pounds. Then again maybe it's different for me since its coupled with PCOS which also can have a side effect of weight gain. I just find it surprising that "weight gain" would be listed as a major side effect of hypo if we are only talking about 5-10 pounds.
PCOS is usually getting much worse because of weight gain, not the other way.
I am not saying that it is not harder to lose weight with PCOS or hypothyroidism. But 90% of the difficulty, it is using a medical condition as an excuse and not actually making the proper effort like everyone else (not talking about you, I do not know you, talking in general about the people I know in real life who attribute weight gain to these issues). As I said, I suffer from both, I am not talking about things I have no idea about it.2 -
The average weight gain as quoted in most medical resources that can be attributed to hypothyroidism is of the order of 5 kilos by the way, not the 100 that many people seem to think.
Look here for example: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
" Most of the extra weight gained
in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation
of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated
with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body
weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on
the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain
is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is
less likely that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid."
Sure but isn't day long fatigue and low energy also attributed to hypothyroid which in turn can assist in weight gain if you are very inactive because of it? Also it causes a lower metabolism. Those two things combined can equal weight gain. And if both things are contributed to hypothyroid then couldn't it be said that hypo causes weight gain?
I agree, but if you are always tired and cannot find the energy to work or do daily activities, this is by far a bigger problem than weight issues and you need to be treated!
Right! So we agree that hypo can cause weight gain. I feel like we are talking in circles here cuz that's what I was saying and then you said it doesn't really cause weight gain. But it clearly does, cuz if it lowers your metabolism, keeps you feeling hungry, makes you tired and takes away your energy that all logically leads to weight gain. The point of the discussion was not about being treated or not, it was the side effects of hypo and how they can assist with weight gain and make it hard to lose. Now that I'm diagnosed, perhaps treatment will help me in my weight loss journey.
Hypothyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain. Of about 5 kilos or so, which will indeed be lost once you get proper treatment.
What I am saying is that many people attribute to hypothyroidism being double the normal weight, which is just not going to happen.
I just don't believe you can suffer from the perfect storm of weight gaining attributes and only think it's going to cost you gaining 11 pounds. Then again maybe it's different for me since its coupled with PCOS which also can have a side effect of weight gain. I just find it surprising that "weight gain" would be listed as a major side effect of hypo if we are only talking about 5-10 pounds.
PCOS is usually getting much worse because of weight gain, not the other way.
I am not saying that it is not harder to lose weight with PCOS or hypothyroidism. But 90% of the difficulty, it is using a medical condition as an excuse and not actually making the proper effort like everyone else (not talking about you, I do not know you, talking in general about the people I know in real life who attribute weight gain to these issues). As I said, I suffer from both, I am not talking about things I have no idea about it.
I agree, I tried "dieting" and exercising MANY times before and never had any success because I would try for a month or so and then get so exhausted and upset. With a lot of research and opinions from others who suffer with both I came to realize you have to be patient. Unfortunately weight loss/maintaining your weight is not so easy. I learned to deal with the fact that for the rest of my life I will have to count calories, watch what i eat, and stay active. It's hard seeing others who don't pay attention to what they are putting in their bodies stay so small and never gain. But once you can get past that and just be happy with your body and strive to fuel your body and figure out what it needs it becomes a lot easier. It is definitely a life style change.0 -
I have (had? it's a bit unclear now) PCOS with borderline insulin resistance and high cholesterol and triglycerides, and I was morbidly obese. I was well on my way to metabolic syndrome, in other words. I was on metformin, Crestor, Tricor, and a birth control pill. I've never had a regular cycle in my life; without the pill, I had 3-4 periods per year. I also have a strong history of diabetes on both sides of my family.
CICO worked for me, though perhaps a little more slowly. It's been about 2.5 years now and I've lost 97 pounds out of a goal of 100. That's a slower pace of loss compared to many others here, but it's hard to say whether that's due to PCOS, or my own inaccuracies in measuring/logging, or muscle gain, or the fact that I'm really short and now my deficit is tiny, or any number of other things it could be.
I try to eat within my macros, but I put more emphasis on calories than anything else. I've been vegetarian for a long time, but I don't place any other intentional restrictions on what I eat. I am not low carb, low glycemic, or anything else of that nature (nor do I want to be).
I'm no longer taking any medications. My total cholesterol is still toward the higher end of normal, but my HDL is good. My triglycerides and fasting glucose are good. My A1C is good. I had to switch off the pill for unrelated reasons, so I have a Mirena IUD now. I had the Mirena well before I started trying to lose weight, so coming off the pill did absolutely nothing on its own for my weight loss.
If I can be perfectly honest, I used my PCOS as an excuse for a long time. I thought that it was impossible for me to lose weight. I was wrong.3
This discussion has been closed.
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