Why is exercise important for women with PCOS?

Women with PCOS often struggle with weight management and more likely to be classified as overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese further amplifies the symptoms already experienced in PCOS.

Women with PCOS are also likely to have insulin resistance and are at a much higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver.

The evidence shows us exercise is beneficial for weight loss, preventing or managing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver. However, the evidence for exercise in PCOS is limited at this stage. It does so far show us that exercise (resistance training or aerobic) in PCOS can :

• Improves insulin resistance

• Improves cardiovascular risk factors

• Improves body composition

• Improves psychological wellbeing

• Improves cardiorespiratory fitness

• Improves reproductive features such as ovulation and menstrual cyclicity

(Stepto et al. 2019)

However it’s often a catch 22. Women with PCOS often have a negative body image which can have a great impact on their willingness to engage in exercise or physical activities. Working with an exercise physiologist with the understanding of this complex condition, can help the sometimes difficult process of starting and continuing an exercise program. It is quite often not the specific exercises which are prescribed but the how, when and why which can lead to success. Want to know more or begin working with us?