What is the cause of obesity in women? Gynecologist told the reason for weight gain despite normal diet

Overeating is a common cause of obesity. But despite normal diet and eating habits, the problem of continuous weight gain is seen in many women. In such a situation, it becomes difficult for a person to understand what to do to reduce obesity?

Gynecologist and Obstetrician Dr. Pratibha Singal, Senior Director, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Noida, says that the main reason for this is hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance, which is a common problem related to PCOS. Apart from this, skin related problems like severe acne and unwanted hair, mental stress and depression are also known as its side effects.

Hormonal disturbances and insulin resistance

In PCOS, the amount of male hormone i.e. androgen increases in the body of women. Also, the effect of insulin in the body reduces, due to which the cells are not able to convert sugar into energy properly. The result is that the level of insulin and glucose in the blood continues to increase. Excessive insulin in the body further increases the production of androgen, due to which fat gets accumulated around the stomach and waist. It is also called central obesity or PCOS belly.

metabolic disturbances

Weight gain and PCOS both worsen each other. As obesity increases, insulin resistance also increases. This deepens the hormonal imbalance and makes it more difficult to lose weight. Also, the fat cells of the body do not function normally, that is, there is less breakdown of fat and more accumulation. Apart from this, women with PCOS have the problem of low grade inflation, due to which metabolism deteriorates and there is a possibility of weight gain.

hidden obesity

Many women with PCOS report that they eat a “normal” amount, but still gain weight. The reason for this is that hormonal changes affect appetite and desire to eat. Due to this, one feels like eating snacks or sweets again and again and without paying attention, the calories increase. Many times the increase in weight inside the body is not immediately visible from outside, because it is “visceral fat” i.e. internal fat. This fat accumulates around the body parts and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

what is the solution

Dr. Singal suggests that “eating less” alone is not enough to control the weight associated with PCOS. For this, it is important to correct the hormonal balance with the advice of the doctor and also pay attention to regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress control. She says that if proper treatment and disciplined lifestyle is adopted, both PCOS and its associated weight problem can be managed well.