Losing weight with PCOS, when your body does the maths differently

Because your metabolism works differently. With PCOS your body often responds less well to insulin, so it produces more of it. Insulin is a storage hormone, so your body stores the same food as fat sooner. On top of that, an excess of male hormones sends fat to your belly. So it is not a matter of not trying hard enough.

Weight-loss medication is intended for treating excess weight, not PCOS. The guideline from the Dutch NVOG only calls medication an option once a combined lifestyle approach has not delivered enough. That is why you always get guidance on food and movement with us. Many women find that complaints linked to their weight improve as they lose weight. What is possible in your case is something the doctor discusses with you.

Yes, it is the same condition. In May 2026, after global consultation, PCOS got a new name: PMOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The old name suggested cysts that are not really there and left the hormonal and metabolic side out of view. Nothing changes about your diagnosis, but it does change how doctors look at it.

Often yes, but the doctor decides. Mention metformin and all your other medication in the medical questionnaire. The doctor then looks at whether the combination is safe in your situation and whether your dose needs adjusting.

You might. You qualify from a BMI of 30, and from 27 if you have a health condition linked to your weight. PCOS is such a condition and counts with us. The doctor always assesses your request personally.

Fat around your belly does not disappear through targeted exercises. Training your abs does not change the layer of fat around them. What does work is bringing your overall body fat percentage down, and belly fat usually comes along with that. Do not confuse it with bloating, by the way. That comes from your gut and needs something else.

There is no special PCOS diet proven to work better than an ordinary healthy way of eating. The guideline advises a way of eating that you can keep up, with attention to enough protein and fibre. Five to ten percent weight loss can already bring clear improvement in women with PCOS and excess weight. Your coach helps you find a pattern that fits your life.

No. As long as you use weight-loss medication, you must not become pregnant. In the medical questionnaire we ask whether you are pregnant or want to be. If so, we cannot treat you. Discuss your wish to have children with your GP or gynaecologist.