Have you ever wondered what a PCOS belly looks like? I mean, we all know PCOS produces drastic changes in a female’s body. So do you ever just sit there and wonder what a PCOS belly looks like? If you’re one of those people who constantly wonder what a PCOS belly looks like, here’s for you.
Many women of childbearing age suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a disease. It is a hormonal disorder that can lead to unwelcome hair growth, acne, and irregular periods. Many women can also end up gaining too much belly fat as a result of it.
This page goes into great detail on PCOS, including what a PCOS belly looks like, and the remedies you can do about it.
What is PCOS?
A hormonal condition called PCOS results in enlarged ovaries with tiny cysts on the margins.
A woman carries both the masculine hormone testosterone and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones typically coexist in harmony.
The male hormones rise in PCOS, resulting in irregular periods, acne, and unwanted hair.
Ovulation, or the release of a developed egg, occurs each month in a woman. The cyst is the outcome of the egg’s inability to mature due to the hormonal imbalance in PCOS. Several ovarian cysts are possible in women with PCOS.
Additionally, it may result in skin tags, hair thinning, scalp hair loss, weight gain, and sleep issues.
Weight Gain in the Abdominal Area and PCOS
According to experts, women’s elevated levels of male hormones are what cause women to store fat around their midsections. It may also result in type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiac problems.
But first, it’s important to comprehend the two types of fats in your body in order to fully comprehend what a PCOS belly looks like:
Subcutaneous Fat
It is pleasant to the touch and is located beneath your skin. Therefore, if you have subcutaneous fat, your stomach will be soft and pinchable. Although less damaging, this kind of fat is challenging to lose.
Visceral Fat
Visceral fat surrounds your internal organs and is bad for your health. This fat cannot be directly touched because it is kept in the belly’s deepest recesses. A risk factor for PCOS, diabetes, and other metabolic problems is having too much visceral fat. However, it is simple to lose this kind of fat.
What Does A PCOS Belly Look Like?
Visceral fat builds up as a result of PCOS, and the abdomen is frequently firm to the touch. If you have a high waist-to-hip ratio, you can have a PCOS belly (apple body shape). However, depending on heredity, this can differ for every woman.
Notably, even if you are a healthy weight, you might still have a PCOS belly. Additionally, women with PCOS could see more hair on their bellies.
You could frequently feel bloated if you have PCOS. Being occasionally bloated is common. But if you frequently feel bloated, you might want to look for further PCOS symptoms. This bloating occasionally causes pain.
What Causes PCOS Belly?
Obesity-related lower abdominal fat storage is typically a symptom of PCOS. The percentage of body fat, however, may differ from person to person.
Several elements that affect the emergence of a PCOS belly include:
Hormonal Changes
The degree or intensity of hormonal oscillations and imbalances affects how much fat is stored. The amount of belly fat a woman with PCOS increases with the degree of male hormones in her body.
Insulin Resistance
A hormone called insulin aids in the utilization of glucose as an energy source by body cells. The hormone’s improper operation stops the cells from utilizing glucose, which raises its amount in the blood.
Your body’s cells are less receptive to insulin when you have insulin resistance, which raises your chance of having high blood sugar levels. It causes your body to create more insulin in order to balance blood glucose levels.
Hormonal imbalance and fat deposition around the organs are caused by higher insulin levels.
What symptoms indicate PCOS abdominal fat?
The most reliable methods, MRI or CT scans, are the best ways to determine how fat is distributed throughout your body.
An alternative is to obtain a straightforward waist-to-hip ratio. If the ratio is more than 0.85, you can have a PCOS belly.
5 Advices To Control A PCOS Belly
The following advice may be useful if PCOS is the cause of increased belly fat in you:
Healthy Eating
All the causes of belly fat in PCOS, such as hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance, can be controlled with a nutritious diet.
It is well known that your diet has an impact on how healthy you are. You can reduce your weight and get better overall health by eating the right foods.
Excellent PCOS-friendly foods include:
- fruits, vegetables, eggs, and legumes are examples of whole foods.
- foods high in protein including eggs, seafood, beans, and soy
- wholesome fats from foods like nuts, avocados, and fatty seafood
- staying away from packaged and processed foods
- dairy products must be avoided
Be Active
In addition to food, exercise is quite important for losing belly fat. As a general rule, weight is influenced by both the calories you ingest and expend.
Among the best exercises are:
- Yoga
- Walking
- Moderate-intensity exercises like cycling and running
- High-intensity exercises, like HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
- Sports like tennis and hockey
- Exercises that build strength, such as weightlifting and Pilates
Have Enough Sleep
Your general health is strongly influenced by sleep, which is connected to hormonal balance. Ensure that you obtain seven to eight uninterrupted hours of sleep.
The suggestions below may be helpful if you have trouble falling asleep:
- Every day, go to bed at the same time.
- Establish a bedtime routine, such as drinking herbal tea or taking a hot shower.
- Sleep in a dimly lit room.
- At least 30 minutes before going to bed, avoid staring at any screens.
Reduce Stress
Stress that has persisted for a while increases the likelihood of several illnesses, including PCOS. Stress may also be exacerbated by PCOS, creating a vicious cycle.
By taking steps to manage your stress, you can:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Journaling
- bathing in hot water
- performing your preferred activity
- Walking
- Dancing
Continually Live Healthily
Quitting smoking and consuming less alcohol are two typical things that may help with PCOS. Both factors contribute to the buildup of fat and other illnesses, such as heart issues.
Conclusion
Women who have PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and body and facial hair growth. The first line of defense against PCOS may be weight loss. With PCOS, losing extra belly fat could be difficult. But you may acquire a flat tummy and enhance your health by making dietary and lifestyle modifications.
