Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common problem faced by people who menstruate. In this hormonal disorder, small cysts form on the outer edges of the ovaries, causing them to grow larger. The most common and dreaded consequence of this is weight gain, which seems impossible to get rid of. To deal with this, we try all kinds of methods and dieting patterns, with intermittent fasting being a popular option. During intermittent fasting, we fast for at least 12-16 hours before eating again. But is this really a helpful option to control weight during PCOS? If you have the same question in your mind, then you have come to the right place. Let’s see how intermittent fasting affects your body and whether it is a healthy option to deal with it or not.
Also read: 5 ways mint tea can help you manage your PCOS battle
Weight gain is very common in PCOS.
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How is weight gain related to PCOS?
In PCOS, our body becomes less responsive to insulin leading to the risk of developing insulin resistance. This causes the pancreas – the organ responsible for producing this hormone – to release excess insulin to compensate. When your body produces excess insulin, it can contribute to weight gain by increasing your appetite, fat accumulation and reduced breakdown of stored fat.
What is intermittent fasting and can it help you lose weight in PCOS?
For those who don’t know, intermittent fasting is a type of fasting that focuses more on when you eat rather than what you eat. According to the official website of Johns Hopkins Medicine, you can only do intermittent fasting during a specific time. As mentioned above, weight gain is very common in PCOS. However, nutritionist and clinical dietitian Anusha Rodrigues (@nextdoornutritionist) has shared a video on Instagram that explains why intermittent fasting may not help you lose weight.
1. Skipping breakfast
When we do intermittent fasting, we tend to skip breakfast as it falls under the 16-hour fasting time. However, this is a bad habit according to the expert. Skipping breakfast and directly starting with your lunch can only harm your body. The expert says that breakfast is the most important meal when it comes to recovering from PCOS as it helps manage your blood sugar throughout the day, fight insulin resistance and even reduce your sugar cravings. So, skipping breakfast is not at all advisable when it comes to managing your weight on PCOS.
Eating nutritious foods can help you manage your weight in PCOS.
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2. No attention to the quality of food
The basic rule of PCOS focuses on timing and fasting rather than the quality of food. This makes you eat all kinds of foods without paying attention to eating nutritious food. Experts say this is a kind of red flag because mindless eating to break the fast can lead to weight gain. If you want to control your weight in PCOS, eat quality, nutritious food to nourish your body.
3. Sudden insulin load
Intermittent fasting requires you to fast for long intervals. This means you will eat at least 14 to 15 hours after your schedule. This large gap can cause insulin loading, which means your body may suddenly have a spike in insulin levels. According to experts, this can trigger your androgens and worsen PCOS.
Can fasting once a week help control weight in PCOS?
According to the expert, this is possible. Though it varies from body to body, nutritionist Anusha suggests paying more attention to meal timings rather than just maintaining a fasting period. The food you eat should meet your nutritional needs. Fasting should not be considered a relaxation to eat whatever you like at mealtime.
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Also read: Nutritionists explain how fibre, protein and a pre-diabetic diet can help manage PCOS
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