Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens), disrupting your menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health.
PCOS Symptoms
Acne and Oily Skin
Symptom: Persistent acne due to excess androgens (male hormones) causing overactive oil glands.
Treatment:
Anti-inflammatory diet (e.g., keto or Mediterranean).
Supplements like zinc or omega-3 fatty acids.
Skincare products with salicylic acid or retinol.
Weight Gain and "PCOS Belly"
Symptom: Stubborn fat around the abdomen caused by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.
Treatment:
Low-carb or ketogenic diet to improve insulin sensitivity.
Regular exercise, focusing on strength training and low-impact cardio.
Stress management to lower cortisol levels.
Excess facial/body hair (Hirsutism)
Symptom: Dark, coarse hair on the face, chest, or back due to high androgen levels.
Treatment:
Hormone-regulating medications like birth control or anti-androgens.
Laser hair removal or electrolysis for cosmetic concerns.
Hair Thinning or Hair Loss
Symptom: Androgenic alopecia, causing hair thinning on the scalp.
Treatment:
Minoxidil (topical treatment).
Supplements like biotin and saw palmetto.
Reducing insulin resistance with diet and exercise.
Skin Darkening (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Symptom: Dark, velvety patches of skin, especially on the neck or armpits, linked to insulin resistance.
Treatment:
Lowering blood sugar levels through diet and exercise.
Topical treatments to lighten skin if necessary.
Difficulty Losing Weight
Symptom: Slowed metabolism and increased fat storage due to insulin resistance.
Treatment:
Keto or low-GI diet.
High-protein, high-fibre meals to reduce cravings and stabilise blood sugar.
Strength training to build lean muscle and boost metabolism.
Why Is Weight Loss Harder with PCOS?
Insulin Resistance
Many women with PCOS struggle to process sugar effectively, leading to higher fat storage and cravings.
Hormonal Imbalances
Elevated androgens (male hormones) can lead to weight gain, particularly around the belly.
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation worsens hormonal issues, making it harder to lose weight.
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The keto diet directly targets these root causes, making it a powerful tool for women with PCOS.
Benefits of the PCOS Diet Plan
Weight loss
Targets visceral fat (especially around the belly), helping with sustainable weight loss and reducing inflammation.
Balances Hormones
Helps reduce excess androgen (male hormone) levels, improving symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth.
Lower Inflammation
Cuts out inflammatory plant compounds and processed foods.
Regulates Menstrual Cycles
Offers an easy, straightforward meal plan with minimal food choices.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Reduces insulin resistance, a key driver of PCOS symptoms, by stabilising blood sugar and lowering insulin levels.
Suppresses Cravings
The high-fat, moderate-protein keto diet keeps you full longer, reducing sugar cravings and binge-eating episodes.
Stable Energy
Stabilises blood sugar for consistent energy throughout the day, eliminating energy crashes and brain fog.
Clearer Skin
Reduces acne or eczema by removing common dietary triggers.
How does it work?
1. Eliminate Carbs
Cut carbs to 20-50g per day, focus on healthy fats, moderate protein, and whole foods. Avoid sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
2. Ketosis Begins
Your body enters ketosis, burning fat for energy instead of sugar. Insulin levels drop, inflammation decreases, and hormones rebalance.
3. PCOS Belly Gone!
Experience weight loss, clear skin, and balanced hormones with regular periods. Improved energy and reduced insulin resistance support long-term health.
PCOS diet visual food guide
👉 Scroll right to see full list
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Example 1500 Calorie PCOS Meal Plan
📊 Total for the Day: 🥩 85g protein, 🥓 70g fat, 🍞 25g carbs
Instructions: Add strawberries and blackberries to a bowl, top with walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds, then pour almond milk over and enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 536 kcal | Protein: 17.2 g | Fat: 43.5 g | Carbs: 27.7 g | Fibre: 15.5 g | Net Carbs: 12.2 g
Instructions: Cook garlic, onion, and ground beef in olive oil; season with cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and lime juice, then sauté cauliflower rice, and serve topped with beef and avocado.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 500g chicken thighs 4 cups baby spinach, chopped 1 cup canned, full-fat coconut milk 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp dried rosemary Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions: Cook chicken thighs in olive oil until golden, remove, then simmer spinach, coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper before returning chicken to cook through.
The "PCOS belly" refers to stubborn fat around the midsection caused by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, common in women with PCOS.
How to reduce PCOS belly fat?
Follow a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet: A keto or low-carb diet reduces insulin resistance, a key factor in PCOS belly fat. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like leafy greens, lean protein, healthy fats, and low-GI fruits.
Exercise Regularly: Combine strength training to build muscle and low-impact cardio (like walking or swimming) to burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity.
Manage Stress: High cortisol levels from stress can promote belly fat storage. Use techniques like yoga, mindfulness, or meditation to lower stress levels.
Prioritise Sleep: Poor sleep increases hunger hormones and worsens insulin resistance. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Consider Supplements: Inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium can support insulin sensitivity and hormone balance, helping reduce abdominal fat.
Stay Consistent: Changes in diet, exercise, and stress management can take time, but consistency leads to lasting results.
How can the keto diet help with PCOS?
The keto diet reduces insulin spikes, lowers androgen levels, decreases inflammation, and promotes fat loss, especially from the belly, making it highly effective for managing PCOS.
Are there supplements for PCOS?
Supplements like inositol, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, chromium, vitamin D, and NAC can improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and reduce inflammation.
How long does it take to reduce PCOS symptoms with keto?
Most women notice reduced symptoms like weight gain, acne, and cravings within 4-6 weeks of consistently following a keto diet.
What exercises are best for PCOS?
Strength training combined with low-impact cardio, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, is ideal for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing stress.
Does stress impact PCOS weight loss?
Yes, stress increases cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance and can trigger weight gain. Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help.
Can keto reverse PCOS symptoms?
The keto diet cannot cure PCOS, but it can significantly reduce and manage symptoms. PCOS is a chronic condition, but adopting a ketogenic lifestyle helps address the underlying issues like insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Reduces insulin levels, which lowers androgen production and helps restore hormonal balance.
Supports Weight Loss: Reducing visceral fat alleviates symptoms like irregular periods and infertility.
Decreases Inflammation: A keto diet's anti-inflammatory effects can improve fatigue, acne, and mood.
Regulates Menstrual Cycles: Many women report more regular periods and ovulation after following keto.
While keto won’t eliminate PCOS, it’s a powerful tool to reverse symptoms and improve quality of life. For best results, combine keto with exercise, stress management, and consistent sleep. Always consult your doctor before starting a new diet.
Best Exercises to Reduce PCOS Belly
Strength Training
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Walking or Low-Impact Cardio
Core Workouts
Yoga & Pilates
Tips for Success
Combine strength and cardio for the best results.
Exercise 4-5 times a week, but avoid overtraining, as it can increase stress hormones.
Pair with a healthy diet (like keto) to amplify fat loss and manage PCOS symptoms.
Consistency is key to reducing PCOS belly fat and improving overall health!
Can You Drink Alcohol with PCOS?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with PCOS, but moderation and smart choices are key. Excessive alcohol can worsen PCOS symptoms by increasing inflammation, disrupting hormones, and affecting insulin sensitivity. Here’s what to consider:
Choose Wisely:
Limit Intake:
Pair with Food:
Stay Hydrated:
While alcohol in moderation is acceptable, it’s best to limit it when focusing on managing PCOS symptoms or losing weight. Listen to your body and prioritise your health goals.
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