Empowering PCOS Treatment with a Weight-Inclusive Approach: Insights from Our PCOS Dietitians in NYC

Mar 22

Written By Madi Marks, MPS, RDN, LDN, CDN

Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder amongst premenopausal women, affecting 1 in 10 women and girls. It often goes undiagnosed and untreated, as it is still largely misunderstood even in the medical community. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding can lead to a recommended treatment of weight loss, which typically proves ineffective and can even be harmful in those with PCOS. A common misconception is that this disorder is caused by being “overweight,” when in reality PCOS can cause weight gain, and is instead linked to genetic and environmental factors.

Amongst conflicting information online, our team of PCOS dietitians in NYC can help you discover a compassionate and individualized approach to managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Using a weight-inclusive nutritional counseling approach, here at Nourishing NY we focus on holistic wellness and personalized support for individuals living with PCOS.

Understanding PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that causes a disruption in the female reproductive cycle, which is typically closely regulated by a balance of hormones. This balance is offset when the ovaries overproduce male hormones, also known as androgens, such as testosterone. This imbalance can cause a variety of symptoms, such as infertility, insulin resistance, weight gain, lack of or irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth and hair loss.

Working with our team of NYC-based PCOS dietitians can provide the comprehensive education needed to empower individuals in managing their condition. We can help arm you with the tools needed to gain insights into PCOS and its widespread impact on hormonal balance, metabolism, and overall health.

A Weight-Inclusive Approach to PCOS

PCOS can cause weight gain in some people, so being prescribed weight loss as treatment is counter intuitive. Furthermore, attempted weight loss can lead to yo-yo dieting, which can worsen health and actually increase weight over time. Sustainable weight loss has been proven unlikely, independent of PCOS. This is a recommendation that is based on the misconception that weight is entirely controllable, perhaps by lifestyle choices or other efforts. People with PCOS may struggle to lose weight more than others due to insulin resistance, which can increase hunger and fat storage. Additionally, the increase in testosterone may also increase muscle mass, in turn causing an increase in weight.

Together, we can explore PCOS management using a weight-inclusive approach, focusing on health outcomes rather than weight loss. Our PCOS dietitians in NYC advocate for body respect, self-compassion and personalized care in supporting individuals with PCOS.

Nutrition Counseling for PCOS

Contrary to popular belief, there is not enough current evidence to support any kind of “PCOS diet.” Inconsistencies amongst nutrition and lifestyle advice, the influence of social media, diet culture, repeated weight cycling and weight stigma all can perpetuate disordered eating in the PCOS population.

As a Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned practice, our NYC-based PCOS dietitians offer personalized guidance towards gentle nutrition, intuitive eating and lifestyle modifications tailored to individual needs. Explore concepts like permission to eat all foods, learn to create balanced meals and get in touch with your internal hunger cues. We will work together to examine current habits and dive deeper into the why behind current food and health behaviors.

Hormonal Balance and Nutrition Support

Another crucial hormone that comes into play when understanding PCOS is insulin. One of the potential symptoms of PCOS is hyperinsulinemia, or elevated levels of insulin in the blood. In the body, insulin acts as a doorman, knocking on the door of a cell to allow sugar in the blood to be let in and used for energy. In PCOS, hyperinsulinemia may occur as a result of insulin resistance, or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. In other words, the doorman is not able to do his job properly. In turn, a cycle begins, during which insulin elevation in the blood can lead to lowered blood sugar, triggering extreme carbohydrate cravings and perhaps episodes of binging.

Working one on one with our PCOS dietitians in NYC can provide you with evidence-based nutritional interventions to support hormone regulation and improve overall health outcomes, thus managing PCOS symptoms.

Integrative Approach to PCOS Management

Here at Nourishing NY, we take an empathetic, supportive, non-shaming and weight-neutral approach with all clients. We will meet you where you are and work together to create an individualized plan that works for you. In our work, we will incorporate factors in tandem with gentle nutrition to promote overall self care, such as enjoyable movement, good sleep hygiene, stress management and body image work. Explore an integrative approach to PCOS management that combines nutrition, lifestyle modifications and holistic wellness practices with our PCOS dietitians in NYC.

Empowering Change and Healing

In our work, we hope to foster a positive relationship between physical and emotional health, aiding in your journey of becoming more in tune with your internal cues and listening to your body. We can offer practical tips and tools for implementing a holistic approach to PCOS management. Our NYC-based PCOS dietitians will provide practical education about sustainable lifestyle changes to promote overall health beyond prescribing a diet or weight loss. We believe that treatment needs to be personalized and compassionate to be sustainable and empowering.

Start Your PCOS Treatment Journey Today

Ready to take control of your PCOS management with a weight-inclusive approach? Contact our PCOS dietitians in NYC today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward holistic wellness.

PCOS Dietitian That Accepts Insurance

We understand firsthand that finding affordable access to quality care when seeking nutritional counseling for PCOS can be discouraging and frustrating. We accept most major insurances and collaborate with other healthcare providers as needed to ensure you receive the best care possible during your treatment. Click here to learn more about each insurance provider.

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