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Choosing the right weight loss medication with PCOS

Last modified by Oviva · Checked by Lucy Diamond · November 20, 2024

The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the risks of long-term health complications can be worsened if you’re also living with obesity. The NHS advises that a 5% weight loss can lead to significant improvement in PCOS symptoms. Naturally, this raises questions about polycystic ovary syndrome and medication for weight loss. 

If you have PCOS and a BMI over 30, you can seek a referral to Oviva. We can help you to make healthy lifestyle changes and find the right prescription weight loss injections.

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Key Takeaways

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to weight gain, primarily due to insulin resistance.
  • If you have PCOS and a BMI over 30, you could be eligible for referral to Oviva.
  • Oviva is an NHS-funded weight management programme.
  • We can provide weight loss medication and lifestyle guidance to help you lose weight.
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Table of Contents

Why does PCOS cause weight gain?

How to know when to take weight loss medication

Which weight loss medication can help with PCOS?

What are the side effects of taking weight loss medication with PCOS?

Will PCOS affect how fast weight loss medication works?

Will my dosage be different if I have PCOS?

How can losing weight help PCOS?

Get support with your weight loss journey

Why does PCOS cause weight gain?

PCOS is a complex medical condition with multiple contributing factors, and the precise causes are not yet fully understood. It’s believed that PCOS is the result of a combination of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors.

Insulin resistance is believed to be one of the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin resistance means the body’s cells are resistant to insulin’s effects, which include regulating blood glucose. Your body then needs to increase insulin production to compensate for this.

Elevated insulin levels can lead to weight gain because insulin can increase hunger. This weight gain, in turn, can worsen insulin resistance and PCOS symptoms, creating a loop where weight gain and insulin resistance reinforce one another.

It’s estimated that 65-70% of people with PCOS also have insulin resistance.

If you have PCOS and are living with obesity, you may benefit from weight loss medication like Wegovy. This medication is usually taken via a self-injectable pen.

How to know when to take weight loss medication

If you have a BMI over 30, have previously tried to lose weight through dieting and exercise and have struggled to achieve or maintain weight loss, consider speaking to your doctor about weight loss medication, such as Wegovy. 

If you’re unsure of your BMI, use our free BMI calculator.

Accessing weight loss medication on the NHS will require a referral to a weight management programme, like Oviva, through which healthcare professionals supervise your treatment.

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Which weight loss medication can help with PCOS?

Metformin is not currently licensed in the UK for PCOS treatment but may be used ‘off-label’ in some circumstances. It’s been linked with moderate weight loss benefits and can also help to control PCOS symptoms and boost fertility.

However, greater weight loss results can be achieved by using approved weight loss medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). These medications work by suppressing your appetite, so you eat less and lose weight over time.

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What are the side effects of taking weight loss medication with PCOS?

When exploring polycystic ovarian syndrome and weight loss medication, the side effects reported by patients are the same as for those taking the weight loss medication who do not have PCOS. The most common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain

These side effects are usually mild and will typically ease over time as your body gets used to the medication. Oviva can help you to monitor and manage the side effects.

Will PCOS affect how fast weight loss medication works?

There’s no evidence to suggest PCOS has a significant bearing on how quickly weight loss medication works. Studies show multiple weight loss medications are effective for weight loss.

One study of women living with obesity or overweight and PCOS (Rasmussen et al.) found that a combination of liraglutide and metformin resulted in significant weight loss:

  • 81.7% of patients achieved a weight loss of more than 5%
  • 32.9% achieved a greater than 10% weight loss. 

The mean duration of treatment was just under 28 weeks. 

Another study (Carmina et al.) focusing on semaglutide demonstrated even faster weight loss. 

After three months of treatment (low 0.5 mg/week dose), almost 80% of patients achieved a 5% body weight reduction. This reduction is in line with NHS recommendations for improved health outcomes for people living with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Will my dosage be different if I have PCOS?

The vast majority of people with PCOS should follow the standard dosing schedule for GLP-1 agonist medications. This will start at a low dose and gradually increase towards the maintenance dose over a period of several weeks. 

However, you should always follow the guidance of healthcare professionals.

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How can losing weight help PCOS?

Losing excess body weight can reduce the risk of long-term health problems and help to improve PCOS symptoms, including assisting people to regain their natural menstrual cycle. 

One of the most prominent symptoms of PCOS is irregular periods, which can make it harder to get pregnant. Losing excess body weight is associated with improving this symptom and is more generally linked to fertility improvements. 

Losing weight can also help to manage health risks associated with obesity and pregnancy.

Get support on your weight loss journey

For people with polycystic ovarian syndrome, medication for weight loss can help improve symptoms and reduce long-term health risks. Losing just 5% of your body weight can significantly boost health outcomes and help restore your natural menstrual cycle.

Oviva is an NHS-funded weight management programme. An expert team, including doctors, nurses, dietitians and psychologists, will provide comprehensive support throughout your weight loss journey, helping you to achieve sustainable results.

If you’re eligible, you can receive personalised care, prescription weight loss medication on the NHS, and assistance with lifestyle changes related to nutrition and exercise.

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