ASK BUFFIE: I was diagnosed with PCOS and doctors told me it would be hard for me to lose weight

Hello my name is Alicia. I’m 22 years old and a couple years ago I found out that I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and the doctors told me that it was going to be hard for me to lose weight, so they put me on some medication called Metaformin 500mg.

I was taking it for a while and I went back to the doctor and they told me I had lost 13 pounds after that I continue to take them and I stopped because I had ran out and I didn’t have any money to get a refill. So I was without the pills for a long time and I had got some from a friend she was taking them also but her doctor switched her to a 1000mg. I started taking them again and stopped again so now I’m going to start back taking them but I need a good exercise plan and diet. My goal is to reach 138 lbs. and my current weight is 234.8 and I want to get my butt bigger and a flat stomach can you please help me?

Hello Alicia,
I understand how you must feel and I do have a few suggestions that may help.

Weight loss comes from using more calories than your body is taking in. The following formula is the key to successful weight loss:

Increased physical activity + Decreased calorie intake = Fat loss/Weight loss

Even if the doctor told you that it’s harder to lose weight because of your condition, that formula still applies to you and could very well help.  Yes, you may have to work a little harder at getting your weight down because of your condition, but your idea weight is still attainable.

The will power to stick to a plan is the hardest thing for most people.  My first recommendation would be to start recording the calories you’re taking in on a day to day basis.  There are a few websites that will make counting your calories much easier like:

http://www.my-calorie-counter.com

http://www.fitday.com

http://caloriecount.about.com

These website are great tools to keep a track of calories consumed, calories burned and how many calories are in certain foods you eat (even fast foods).  Once you know how many calories you’re consuming then you can start to modify/lower them gradually.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY!  PHYSICAL ACTIVITY!  PHYSICAL ACTIVITY!!!!

Get active!!  Getting your heart rate up and becoming more active is so important to weight loss.  Whether it’s lifting weights, running, jogging, cycling, going up and down stairs, dancing, mowing the lawn, etc., you have to start somewhere.  But remember the harder you work the more calories you burn. So it all lies in your determination as to how much weight you lose. The more you put in (dedication) the more you get out of it (reward).  Get you an IPod and go to work! You don’t need a gym to get fit. Find a track, lake, shopping mall or anything that allows you room to go jogging, brisk walking or stair climbing.  Your results depend on you and no one else.

Finding support groups amongst other women with PCOS may help tremendously with your weight loss goals. I did some research and found some helpful websites:

http://www.obgyn.net/pcos/pcos.asp?page=/pcos/articles/pcos_and_diet_mckittrick

http://www.soulcysters.com/weight_loss.html

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Here are some other articles that will help get you started:

USDA Food Pyramid: http://www.mypyramid.gov/index.html

Best Exercise for Abs: http://www.bodynomics.com/best-exercise-for-abs/

Getting Rid of Belly Fat: http://www.bodynomics.com/blog/getting-rid-of-your-fat-belly/

You Do Want To Lose Weight Right? http://www.bodynomics.com/blog/you-do-want-to-lose-weight-right/

Also check out my video page for various workouts:http://www.bodynomics.com/-/videos/

Hopefully the articles along with my suggestions with help jump start your weight loss. Good luck

Buffie C.