Excess belly fat can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Most importantly it is linked to an increased risk of health complications. Homeopathic treatment can help reduce belly fat associated with PCOS. In this article, you'll discover ways to reduce PCOS-induced belly fat.
I've also covered some the most effective homeopathic remedies for reducing belly fat in women suffering from PCOS. So if you're looking for natural ways to shed that stubborn abdominal weight and improve your overall health - read further!
What is belly fat?
Belly fat, or abdominal adiposity, refers to the accumulation of fat around the abdomen. This type of fat is different from subcutaneous fat, which is the type of fat that accumulates under the skin. Belly fat is more difficult to lose than subcutaneous fat. Although it's natural to have some belly fat, too much can lead to serious health problems. It has been linked heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Women are more likely to carry excess belly fat than men, particularly after menopause. This increase in belly fat is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including hormones, a lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce belly fat. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can go a long way toward belly fat reduction.
How does PCOS cause belly fat accumulation? (Link between PCOS and belly fat)
For women with PCOS, belly fat accumulation is a common and frustrating symptom.
But why does PCOS cause belly fat to build up?
Women with PCOS often report increased abdominal girth. The exact link between PCOS and belly fat accumulation is not known. There are, however, several possible explanations why PCOS can lead to belly fat accumulation.
- Insulin resistance leads to weight gain: Insulin helps the body store energy. When insulin levels are excessively higher, the body is more likely to store the energy as fat, particularly in the belly area.
- Increased testosterone levels: in women with PCOS causes belly fat accumulation.
- Inflammation: Inflammation in PCOS can also lead to accumulation of belly fat.
- Weak metabolism: Women with PCOS often has weak metabolism. This means their body is unable to break down the sugar into energy in an effective way. Food eventually is deposited as fat at various body parts, more particularly around the belly area.
What does a "PCOS belly" look like?
A "PCOS belly" can be characterized by protruding abdominal fat, often with a pronounced upper midsection. This type of belly looks more round than flat as in typical abdominal fat deposits and can be caused by hormonal imbalances associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Dubbed a “PCOS belly”, it often displays an excess fat around the waist compared to other parts of the body like the hips and shoulders.
A PCOS belly is generally round in shape and more noticeable than other types of abdominal weight gain. This makes it easier to identify for anyone looking for signs and symptoms of PCOS.
Early signs of belly fat accumulation in women
The early signs of belly fat accumulation in women with PCOS can be subtle. The common early signs of belly fat accumulation in women include:
- Change in body shape: Women with PCOS often experience weight gain, particularly around the waist and hips. This is especially noticeable when compared to the upper body, which may look relatively thin.
- Decrease in energy levels: Weak metabolism is PCOS ineffective conversion of food into energy. That means you feel low on energy, while the unprocessed sugar is deposited as fat.
- Increase in hunger: Insulin resistance and weak metabolism makes you feel hunger more frequently. As you eat more, the glucose in the food gets accumulated as belly fat.
- Clothes fitting tighter: PCOS-induced belly fat can cause clothes to fit tighter around the waist.
- Abdominal bloating: PCOS-induced belly fat can lead to abdominal bloating.
- Difficulty losing weight: PCOS-induced belly fat can make it difficult to lose weight, even with diet and exercise.
Homeopathic treatment and Medicines that can help reduce belly fat in women with PCOS
Women with PCOS can benefit from homeopathic remedies for reducing belly fat. These natural remedies offer an effective and safe way to decrease inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the excess body fat around the waistline.
Numerous medicinal compounds are available that specifically address this hormonal imbalance condition and help in achieving a healthy weight profile!
Here's a list of homeopathic remedies most suited for reducing PCOS belly fat.
- Calcarea carbonica: Calcarea carbonica is an effective remedy for PCOS. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce weight gain.
- Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora has a knack of relieving symptoms such as bloating, water retention or irritability associated with this condition.
- Natrum muriaticum: Natrum muriaticum can effectively restore hormone balance. As a result it helps in reducing abdominal fats. This remedy is particularly effective when depression is accompanied with salt cravings!
Why you should reduce the belly fat? (Benefits of reducing belly fat for women with PCOS)
Having excess belly fat can lead to a host of problems for women with PCOS. Not only does it increases the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, but also heightens the chances of fertility issues.
At an advanced stage it can invite other health concerns like heart disease or diabetes.
By reducing abdominal fat body composition you can improve your overall outlook on life.
Find below list of benefits of reducing belly fat for women with PCOS:
- Improves insulin sensitivity.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Regulates blood sugar levels.
- Increases energy levels.
- Improves fertility.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Improves quality of life.
- Lowers androgen levels.
- Regulates menstrual cycles.
- Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
10 Foods you should eat if you have PCOS-induced belly fat
1. Salmon
Salmon is a fantastic culinary choice for women suffering with PCOS. It is particularly helpful if you are seeking to shrink the waistline!
It contains high quantities of protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids. These are key ingredients in reducing inflammation that can cause stomach bulge. But salmon has an even bigger perk - Vitamin D. Research suggests this powerhouse vitamin helps increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, helping women tackle abdominal fat more effectively than ever before.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts are a delicious and nutritious solution to thwart the stubborn belly fat in PCOS!
They are rich in omega-3 fatty acid which is immensely helpful for reducing inflammation.
As a result it promotes weight loss. The magnesium content in walnuts helps improve insulin sensitivity. This could mean decreased risk of developing type-2 diabetes if you have PCOS!
3. Spinach
Spinach is a great food to eat if you have PCOS-induced belly fat because it is high in fiber and antioxidants. Fiber helps to fill you up and can promote weight loss, while antioxidants help to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, spinach is a good source of iron, which is important for women with PCOS as they are at an increased risk for iron deficiency anemia.
4. Avocados
Avocados are a good source of healthy fats, which can help reduce belly fat.
5. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of fiber, which can help reduce cravings. Nuts and seeds also promote insulin sensitivity and weight loss.
6. Berries
Berries are an amazing addition to any diet. They are packed with antioxidants, fibers and polyphenols. Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation, fiber helps you feel fuller. Both of them promote weight loss.
Plus, their polyphenols content makes them a great option for women suffering from PCOS as they have been proven to improve insulin sensitivity too!
7. Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
8. Whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help to reduce cravings and promote fullness.
9. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt packs a nutritional punch! With its high protein and calcium content, it can be an effective tool in your weight loss journey.
Consuming Greek yogurt helps reduce belly fat as well as inflammation. It improves insulin sensitivity too.
It's no wonder why this nutritious treat is so popular among health-conscious individuals everywhere!
10. Green Tea
For those looking to target PCOS-induced belly fat, green tea is the perfect addition to your diet! It is full of antioxidants like catechins. Catechins promote weight loss by boosting metabolism. It also helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
All these benefits make it a great stand out choice when you're trying to reduce belly fat.
Foods you should avoid if you have PCOS-induced belly fat
Belly fat can be a frustrating side effect of PCOS. There are certain foods that promote accumulation of belly fat. Here's a list of some such foods you should avoid if you're struggling to reduce belly fat.
1. Refined carbs
Refined carbs like white bread, rice, pastries and pasta may look innocent enough but they can wreak havoc if you have PCOS. That's because refined carbs get absorbed quickly into the bloodstream causing spikes in blood sugar levels. This leads to weight gain - particularly around your midsection! So think twice before indulging on those refined carb-filled snacks.
2. Trans fats
Trans fats are found in many processed foods, such as margarine, crackers, cookies, and fried foods. These fats are created when liquid oils are hardened through a process called hydrogenation. Trans fats can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease. For people with PCOS, trans fats can also lead to weight gain and increased abdominal fat.
3. Saturated fats
When it comes to nutrition, saturated fats can be tricky. Saturated fats are found in both animal and plant products like butter, cheese, red meat and coconut oil.
These fatty acids should be kept at bay for those with PCOS. They can contribute to unwanted weight gain around the midsection.
However don't worry about cutting out all fat from your diet completely. Opt instead for healthier monounsaturated or polyunsaturated varieties when possible!
4. Processed meats
Processed meats are a tasty treat but can lead to weight gain and inflammation if you have PCOS.
Processed meats, like bacon, ham and sausage may put you at risk of health problems if you're living with PCOS. They tend to contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium. Both substances are known to cause inflammation resulting in weight gain around the abdomen area.
5. Sugar-sweetened beverages
Desserts and drinks with a sweet tooth should be consumed in moderation if you are living with PCOS. Sugary beverages like sodas, juices, sports drinks and flavored coffees/teas can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. Ultimately this leads into weight gain or increased abdominal fat.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol is high in calories. This can contribute towards additional pounds on the scale. Drinking too much of alcohol may also impair judgment when it comes to making food choices.
7. High-fat dairy products
Over-indulgence of dairy products such as milk (whole), butter & ice cream could result in accumulation of excess weight around your waistline!
Belly fat in women with lean PCOS
Women with lean PCOS often struggle to lose stubborn belly fat. Any amount of diet and exercise seems to bring no results.
This is because having lean PCOS increases the amount of visceral fat. Visceral fat is a type of abdominal fat that's more metabolically active than other types.
The good news? By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce this build-up of fats. Also you can better regulate your overall metabolic health!
Start by decreasing processed foods and refined carbs in favor of healthy proteins, veggies, and fats. Then get plenty of regular physical activity. Plus get ample regular sleep for optimal results over time!
Conclusion: How to reduce belly fat in women with PCOS?
For women with PCOS, reducing belly fat can be a challenge. However, by making simple lifestyle changes you can significantly reduce the build-up of visceral fats. Consider decreasing processed foods and refined carbs in favor of healthy proteins, veggies and fats. Get into regular physical activity. And, ensure you get ample sleep every night. Taking these steps will not only help you lose belly fat but also better regulate your overall metabolic health!
Dr. Sanchita Dharne
Dr. Sanchita Dharne is a highly experienced homeopath. She is an expert treatment of PCOS including weight gain. She offers personalized treatments tailored to your individual needs.
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