PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 10 women living in the UK. [1] Characterised by the development of small cysts on one or both ovaries, common symptoms include [2]: 

• Irregular periods 
• Fertility issues 
• Acne and oily skin
• Excessive hair on the face or body
• Weight gain

There is no cure for PCOS, but there are various forms of treatment which can help to manage many of these symptoms. For example, it is often advised that individuals with PCOS make lifestyle changes which can facilitate healthy weight loss, reduce PCOS symptoms, and improve their health.

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PCOS and Weight Management.

Many of those dealing with PCOS report difficulties when it comes to losing weight, with a recent study finding that between 38-88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. [3]

While more research is needed into PCOS, specifically regarding weight management, there are many potential reasons for this. For example, 65-70% of individuals with PCOS have developed insulin resistance, which is typically associated with increased fat storage and weight gain. [4] Some studies have also linked insulin resistance to increased hunger. [5] 

Similarly, women of reproductive age with PCOS are eight times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those of the same age without the condition. [6]

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Can Mounjaro help with PCOS? 

Research into the potential benefits of Mounjaro for those with PCOS is ongoing. However, a recent Journal Of Clinical Medicine study stated that while additional research is necessary, "tirzepatide could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PCOS, particularly in addressing weight gain and insulin sensitivity." [7]

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is another name for the drug tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 often used to treat type 2 diabetes and facilitate healthy weight loss. 

Why do researchers believe that Mounjaro could help with PCOS?

As mentioned above, individuals with PCOS are often encouraged to lose weight, with a loss of 5% of their body weight leading to significant clinical improvements and a reduction of symptoms. [8] As research has shown that individuals on Mounjaro typically lose 20.9% of their body weight in 72 weeks on Mounjaro, this can be a particularly useful weight loss aid for those with PCOS. [9] 

Current therapy for PCOS usually involves metformin treatment. However, a meta-analysis of 8 randomised control trials found that GLP-1 medications were superior to metformin in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing both BMI and abdominal circumference. [10]

It has also been suggested that GLP-1 RA therapy significantly improves fertility in patients with PCOS. [11]  

While further research is needed into Mounjaro specifically, Mounjaro can also play a key role in weight management due to its ability to increase feelings of fullness and lower insulin resistance.

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Weight Management tips for people with PCOS

Many of those dealing with PCOS report difficulties when it comes to losing weight. For example, a recent study found that individuals with PCOS were more likely to attempt weight loss multiple times than those without PCOS. [12] They are also more likely to face body dissatisfaction. [13] 

Fortunately, there are many steps that people with PCOS and related conditions can take in order to facilitate healthy weight loss.

• Seek out medical advice. Doctors and healthcare professionals can help individuals with PCOS develop a weight loss plan based on dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments and potential medications.

• Increase activity levels. Regular exercise can help to facilitate weight loss and avoid weight loss plateaus. 

• Make dietary adjustments. Making an effort to follow a healthy, balanced diet can also have positive outcomes for those with PCOS who are looking to lose weight. Generally, it is advised that they avoid fried foods, saturated fats and alcoholic beverages during this time. [14]

• Follow a calorie deficit diet. Being in a calorie deficit means burning more calories than you consume. As such, monitoring daily food intake can prove useful. Calorie-controlled meals, such as soup and shakes, can be helpful when following this kind of diet. 

• Consider treatments such as Mounjaro. Those who are looking for a healthy yet accessible way to lose weight can benefit from weight loss aids such as Mounjaro. However, speaking to a medical professional ahead of time is crucial.

Final Thoughts.

PCOS is an incredibly common health condition affecting thousands of women throughout the UK. A hormonal disorder, PCOS can have a significant impact on an individual's health and well-being, impacting everything from fertility to weight management. 

While there is currently no direct cure for PCOS, weight reduction often brings forth positive outcomes, making it a little easier to manage many of the symptoms associated with PCOS. This weight loss can also reduce the chances of individuals dealing with further complications, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

However, as mentioned above, many of those with PCOS find it difficult to lose weight. Fortunately, there are many steps that they can take to lose weight in a sustainable manner, as opposed to following a yo-yo diet that is ineffective in the long term. This includes making adjustments to their diet and activity levels, alongside working with their healthcare practitioner to develop a weight loss plan.

There is also anecdotal research that suggests that  Mounjaro can help those with PCOS lose weight. While more specific research is necessary before this can become a recommended treatment for the condition, initial studies suggest that tirzepatide will be helpful for PCOS due to its impact on insulin resistance and its functionality as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid.

If you are interested in incorporating Mounjaro into your weight loss plan, it is important that you speak to the doctor in charge of your care to discuss your options. Right now, Mounjaro is available with limited availability within the NHS and through private prescription to those with Type 2 Diabetes or those who are classified as obese. 

If you'd like to learn more about Mounjaro, please do not hesitate to 

contact us today.

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