On Again, Off Again

[oxdrjenxo]

Hello,

I am 23 years old, 235 lbs, and I have been using this system for about 3 months but I stop for a while and start then stop.

I guess the thing that has been most discouraging is that I have lost weight only to gain it back again. The only way I seem to lose any is if I just eat salad (and I pretty much mean lettuce).

I did notice one interesting thing though. When I went home for the holidays I forgot my birth control pills (yasmin) and was on the insulite pills. I took them like clockwork and was losing weight really well. When I got back to school and began taking my bc pills again I gained everything back plus some. My doctor is now in the process of changing my birth control pills (at my request), but I am wondering if they might have been the cause of my weight gain? I had been on the same pill for the past 6 years but all of a sudden my facial hair was coming back, I was only spotting during my periods, and my weight has just gotten out of control.

I am hoping this will help, but I just don't know anymore. My doctor gives me little advice and basically says cut calories and do more exercise and you will lose weight. Been there, done that. That alone does not work and thats why I purchased this system. She kind of makes you feel like "duh! Your just not trying!" I am trying. Anyhoo, enough of my rambling. Just thought I would bring up this ides of the birth control pill and weight loss. See if anyone else is having this problem or faced it before.

Thanks

[drheather]

Hello,

I am 23 years old, 235 lbs, and I have been using this system for about 3 months but I stop for a while and start then stop.

I guess the thing that has been most discouraging is that I have lost weight only to gain it back again. The only way I seem to lose any is if I just eat salad (and I pretty much mean lettuce).

I did notice one interesting thing though. When I went home for the holidays I forgot my birth control pills (yasmin) and was on the insulite pills. I took them like clockwork and was losing weight really well. When I got back to school and began taking my bc pills again I gained everything back plus some. My doctor is now in the process of changing my birth control pills (at my request), but I am wondering if they might have been the cause of my weight gain? I had been on the same pill for the past 6 years but all of a sudden my facial hair was coming back, I was only spotting during my periods, and my weight has just gotten out of control.

I am hoping this will help, but I just don't know anymore. My doctor gives me little advice and basically says cut calories and do more exercise and you will lose weight. Been there, done that. That alone does not work and thats why I purchased this system. She kind of makes you feel like "duh! Your just not trying!" I am trying. Anyhoo, enough of my rambling. Just thought I would bring up this ides of the birth control pill and weight loss. See if anyone else is having this problem or faced it before.

Thanks

Hello and thanks for writing in! I am sorry that I did not see this sooner. With PCOS, it is not just that easy to lose weight. In a sense, your body is working against you. Even with a reduction of calories, some women will not lose weight and can even gain. What is important, however, is the types of foods that you eat.

First, yes birth control pills can contribute to weight gain. How much a woman will gain tends to vary. Weight gain is due to an increase in appetite and easier fat deposition as a result of the increase in hormones. There is also some research to support that they can contribute to insulin resistance. We have a blog post about this topic. http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/blog/5/can-birth-control-pills-affect-pcos/

I also found this information..."Any weight gain after starting pills of more than 5% of body weight may be a signal of a woman's tendency toward insulin resistance or abnormal glucose metabolism. With this amount of weight gain associated with an oral contraceptive, I would suggest the woman be evaluated for possible insulin resistance. If this condition is present, she will have to adopt a low carbohydrate diet. Simple sugars in any amount and high carbohydrate only snacks or meals will negate all other dieting efforts on a daily basis and frustrate any long term ability at weight control." http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr11.htm. This is another reason to really work on the nutrition/exercise aspect. It takes time and patience but I encourage you to stick with it.

Regarding carbs, we do recommend eating between 60-80 grams a day from all sources. The diet should consist of lean proteins, lots of vegetables (with exception of potatoes, corn, and other higher glycemic and starchy vegetables), and healthy fats should be included (nuts, seeds, olive oil). We recommend that the carbohydrates come mostly from vegetables with the balance coming from whole grains. This can help to reduce insulin and weight as well as helping to restore your periods.

Lastly, I would try to be consistent with taking the supplements. This will help to address the underlying problem and support weight loss. Especially since you did see weight loss with taking the supplements.

I would also ask your doctor if you can stop the birth control to see how your symptoms change with using the System. It may be an option.

Please keep me posted and let me know how I can help.