By Irfan Mahmud, Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber

How PCOS contributes to weight gain and how this can be managed with weight loss injections

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition that affects many women. One of the most challenging symptoms can be weight gain or difficulty losing weight, even when following a healthy routine. This is not a matter of willpower. PCOS can influence several processes in the body that make weight management more difficult. The good news is that effective support is available, and weight loss injections can play a helpful role for some individuals.

Why PCOS can lead to weight gain

1. Insulin resistance

Many people with PCOS have some level of insulin resistance. This means the body does not use insulin as effectively, so the pancreas produces more to compensate. Higher insulin levels can:

Increase hunger

Lead to easier fat storage, especially around the abdomen

Make weight loss slower and harder

2. Hormonal imbalance

PCOS affects hormones that regulate appetite, metabolism and fat storage. Higher androgen levels can change how the body distributes weight, while lower levels of certain hormones can reduce metabolic efficiency.

3. Increased cravings and fluctuating energy

Insulin resistance, blood sugar swings and hormonal changes can create cycles of fatigue and cravings. This can make maintaining steady eating patterns more challenging.

4. Impact on mood and motivation

PCOS can affect mental wellbeing. Low mood, anxiety or stress may influence eating habits and energy levels, which can indirectly affect weight.

How weight loss injections can help

Weight loss injections, such as GLP-1 based medications, can be particularly helpful for people with PCOS because they target some of the underlying drivers of weight gain.

1. Supporting appetite control

GLP-1 medications help regulate hunger signals, making it easier to feel satisfied with smaller meals and avoid overeating caused by hormonal fluctuations.

2. Improving insulin sensitivity

These treatments can help the body use insulin more effectively. Better insulin control can reduce cravings, stabilise energy levels and make weight loss more achievable.

3. Slower stomach emptying

Food stays in the stomach longer, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing the urge to snack frequently.

4. Helping break the cycle

By reducing hunger and stabilising blood sugar, weight loss injections can support more consistent routines that are often harder to maintain with PCOS.

What to expect when using weight loss injections with PCOS

Weight loss may still be gradual, but many individuals find it more achievable

You are likely to feel fewer intense cravings

Energy levels may become steadier

Regular reviews help adjust the dose as needed

Lifestyle habits still play a key role, but medication can make them easier to maintain

A clinician will assess your health history, symptoms and goals to decide whether weight loss injections are suitable and which type and dose are most appropriate.

Additional strategies that support better results

While medication can be very effective, combining it with steady habits usually leads to the best outcomes. Helpful routines include:

Balanced meals with a focus on protein and fibre

Regular movement in a form you enjoy

Managing stress where possible

Keeping a steady sleep schedule

Small, sustainable habits make a noticeable difference over time.

Final thoughts

PCOS can make weight management more difficult, but it does not mean progress is out of reach. Understanding how PCOS affects the body helps explain why traditional approaches do not always work. Weight loss injections can offer meaningful support by addressing appetite, insulin resistance and hormonal drivers of weight gain. With the right clinical guidance, many individuals find that weight management becomes far more manageable and predictable.

Reviewed by Irfan Mahmud, Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber (GPhC Reg. No: 2080386)

Irfan is a UK-registered pharmacist and independent prescriber with expertise in weight management, primary care, and lifestyle medicine. As the founder of Cuva Health, he is dedicated to providing safe, clinically-approved treatments and clear, trustworthy health guidance.