Strength Training, Weight Loss, and PCOS

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Doctors,

Hello and thanks for all of the work you’re doing here.

I’m asking a question on behalf of my wife today. She’s in a place where she’s realized that she needs to make some changes to her diet and lifestyle in order to improve her general health and meet some personal goals. She has a significant amount of weight to lose and knows that this weight loss will be difficult for her, especially since she has PCOS, but she is determined.

We have an Orange Theory gym near our house, and she’s pretty interested in going there regularly (she does well with the whole gamification approach they take there). I’ll support her in whatever type of physical activity she chooses to pursue, but I do wonder if the Orange Theory HIIT approach is optimal considering her PCOS. Given that weight loss is primarily a matter of diet, would strength training provide any unique benefits in regards to weight loss and body composition in individuals with PCOS? My thinking is that putting on some additional muscles mass might help regulate hormones, decrease insulin resistance, etc., in ways that HIIT might not. But then, I’m no expert–just a hobbyist lifter trying to figure out how to best support his wife-- and I may very well be way off base here.

Any insight you could provide on the matter would be much appreciated. Thanks again for all you’re doing!

2

HIIT-style conditioning likely has some unique benefits for individuals with insulin resistance (which is a hallmark of PCOS). On top of that, it sounds like she’s specifically interested in what they have to offer - which suggests a higher likelihood she’ll enjoy, and thus adhere to, consistent training there. If she’s willing to add in, say, 2 days of strength training per week on top of that, that would be great as well (though I’d add in one thing at a time to minimize injury risk from suddenly ramping up to 4-5+ days of intense exercise per week).

And while the exercise will provide benefit from the perspective of insulin resistance (and potentially the other hormonal derangements), I’m sure you realize her diet will likely need adjustment in order to facilitate weight loss as well.

3

Excellent! Thanks for the insight! I’ve passed along your counsel, and she’s looking forward to the training.