29/09/2025
Calories in - calories out for weight loss?
Weight-loss isn’t as black and white as just focussing on a calorie deficit, for anyone, but especially if you have PCOS.
Other things which impact your weight;
- Muscle mass
- Hormones (including testosterone)
- Insulin sensitivity
- Cortisol
- Water retention
- Gut health (bowel, digestion, etc.)
If you have PCOS, calories in vs calories out, is not the approach that’s going to help you lose weight, and keep it off.
This is why:
- Insulin resistance; PCOS causes our cells to not respond to insulin properly, which leads to an increase in fat storage (particularly around the middle).
- High levels of testosterone; Common with PCOS and can lead to less efficient fat burning – so it means going exercising can harness slower results compared to other people.
- Elevated cortisol; Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol will slow your metabolism, as well as increase insulin levels
Don’t get stuck in the miserable trap of trying to follow a calorie deficit to lose weight to lose weight. Yes, calories do make a difference when it comes to weight-loss, but it isn’t the only thing, or the most powerful thing that impacts weight. Hormones impact your weight so much, and your sleep, gut health, mental well-being, are all key in helping keep it off.
If you want support, my inbox is always open 🩷
I’d love to know what ridiculous weight-loss myths you’ve heard?