Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Weight Gain

I have not wrote anything about PCOS, also in reminding me of one of my motive for loosing weight I thought I should post information about PCOS.
---------Start------
Credit to WebMD
http://women.webmd.com/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-and-weight-gain

Most women at some point have to contend with weight gain. But for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), losing weight can become a constant struggle.

PCOS occurs when the ovaries don’t make enough hormones for the eggs to fully mature. Instead of releasing a mature egg during ovulation, some of the follicles in the ovaries turn into fluid-filled sacs called cysts. More than six out of every 10 women who have PCOS are also overweight.

The good news is that women with PCOS can actually win the struggle against weight gain. If you have PCOS, certain lifestyle changes can help you both shed pounds and reduce the severity of the disease.

Why does polycystic ovary syndrome cause weight gain?
With PCOS, the body has more difficulty using the hormone insulin, which normally helps convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. This condition -- called insulin resistance -- can cause insulin and sugar -- glucose -- to build up in the bloodstream.

High insulin levels increase the production of male hormones called androgens. High androgen levels lead to symptoms such as body hair growth, acne, irregular periods -- and weight gain. Because the weight gain is triggered by male hormones, it is typically in the abdomen. That is where men tend to carry weight. So instead of having a pear shape, women with PCOS have more of an apple shape.

Abdominal fat is the most dangerous kind of fat. That’s because it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

What are the risks associated with gaining weight with polycystic ovary syndrome?
No matter what the cause, weight gain can be detrimental to your health. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop many of the problems associated with weight gain and insulin resistance, including:

type 2 diabetes
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
sleep apnea
All of these conditions can lead to heart disease. In fact, women with PCOS are four to seven times more likely to have a heart attack than women of the same age without the condition.

Experts think weight gain also helps trigger the symptoms of PCOS, such as menstrual abnormalities and acne.

What can I do to lose weight if I have polycystic ovary syndrome?
Losing weight not only can help you look better -- it can also make you feel better. When you have PCOS, shedding just 10% of your body weight can bring your periods back to normal. It can also help relieve some of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity. That will reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other PCOS complications.

To lose weight, start with a visit to your doctor. The doctor will weigh you and check your waist size and body mass index. Body mass index is also called BMI, and it is the ratio of your height to your weight.

What can I do to lose weight if I have polycystic ovary syndrome? continued...
Your doctor may also prescribe medication. Several medications are approved for PCOS, including birth control pills and anti-androgen medications. The anti-androgen medications block the effects of male hormones. A few medications are used specifically to promote weight loss in women with PCOS. These include:

Metformin (Glucophage). Metformin is a diabetes drug that helps the body use insulin more efficiently. It also reduces testosterone production. Some research has found that it can help obese women with PCOS lose weight.
Thiazolidinediones. The drugs pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) also help the body use insulin. In studies, these drugs improved insulin resistance. But their effect on body weight is unclear. Also, the FDA has restricted Avandia for use in new patients only if they can't control their blood sugar on other medications and are unable to take Actos. Current users can continue Avandia if they choose to do so. All patients using Avandia must review and fully understand the cardiovascular risks.Flutamide (Eulexin). Research has found that this anti-androgen drug helped obese women with PCOS lose weight. It also improved their blood sugar levels. The drug can be given alone or with metformin.
Rimonabant (Acomplia). This obesity drug has been shown to promote weight loss in women with PCOS. Once women stop taking rimonabant, they tend to gain the weight back. But starting metformin after rimonabant can help women maintain their weight loss.
In addition to taking medication, adding healthy habits into your lifestyle can help you keep your weight under control:

Eat a high-fiber, low-sugar diet. Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid processed and fatty foods to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If you’re having trouble eating healthy on your own, talk to your doctor or a dietitian.
Eat four to six small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. This will help control your blood sugar levels.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day on most, if not all, days of the week.
Work with your doctor to track your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
If you smoke, get involved in a program that can help you quit.
--End---

For me, loosing weight is vital. I am already at risk because, I was told to have high cholesterol and my dad passed away from heart attack, actually, when I ask my mom she told me that bascially the fat clogged the blood, which is realating to insulin. I don't like pills nor don't like visiting the hospital. For this reason I must take back my life!! When it come down to it I maded the choice which lead me to all these other problem. I am also the one that make the choice for life! It will take time, but time is not the problem. Because if I vaule time why would I abuse myself by shorten my life through consuming unhealthy foods and living unhealthy. I want to make the most of life. I can do this by first taken care of my physical form. I know I can do it!!