For the millions of women struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), finding effective treatment options can be challenging. While many healthcare providers focus primarily on weight loss as the main goal, groundbreaking research suggests that exercise provides significant health benefits for women with PCOS—even without shedding pounds.
At the Lamkin Clinic, Oklahoma’s premier functional medicine center in the Oklahoma City metro area, we understand the complex nature of PCOS and offer comprehensive solutions including advanced body composition testing to help women manage this condition effectively.
What the Research Reveals About PCOS and Exercise
A pivotal study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism examined how regular exercise affects insulin resistance and body composition in women with PCOS compared to women without the condition.
Key Research Findings:
- Women with PCOS typically have higher insulin resistance than women without the condition
- PCOS is associated with increased visceral fat (the dangerous fat surrounding internal organs)
- Just 3 hours of aerobic exercise per week for 12 weeks produced remarkable improvements
- Exercise reduced visceral fat by 12% in women with PCOS
- Insulin resistance improved by nearly 28% in the PCOS group
- Triglyceride levels (a type of blood fat) decreased significantly in women with PCOS
- These benefits occurred without significant weight loss
Dr. Brian Lamkin, founder of the Lamkin Clinic, notes: “This research confirms what we’ve observed in our practice—that exercise provides tremendous metabolic benefits for women with PCOS even when the scale doesn’t budge. This is why we emphasize comprehensive body composition analysis rather than focusing solely on weight.”
Why Body Composition Matters More Than Weight
For women with PCOS, understanding your body composition—particularly the amount and distribution of fat tissue—is far more important than focusing on total body weight.
Visceral fat, the type that accumulates around your internal organs, is strongly linked to insulin resistance, a hallmark feature of PCOS. Even modest reductions in visceral fat can significantly improve metabolic health.
DEXA Scan: The Gold Standard in Body Composition Testing
At the Lamkin Clinic, we utilize state-of-the-art DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning technology to precisely measure:
- Total body fat percentage
- Distribution of fat throughout the body
- Visceral fat levels
- Lean muscle mass
- Bone mineral density
Unlike bathroom scales or even BMI calculations, DEXA scanning provides detailed insights into your unique body composition, allowing for truly personalized treatment plans.
How the Lamkin Clinic Approach Differs
Our functional medicine approach to PCOS goes beyond symptom management to address root causes:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Beginning with detailed body composition analysis using DEXA scanning
- Personalized Exercise Prescription: Targeted recommendations based on your unique metabolic profile
- Nutritional Guidance: Customized dietary strategies that complement your exercise program
- Hormone Optimization: Addressing hormonal imbalances that contribute to PCOS symptoms
- Ongoing Support: Regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure continued progress
Taking the First Step Toward Better PCOS Management
The research is clear: exercise provides significant benefits for women with PCOS regardless of weight loss. Understanding your body composition through advanced testing like DEXA scanning is the first step toward creating an effective management plan.
Don’t let the scale discourage you from experiencing the many benefits of regular physical activity. Focus instead on the meaningful changes happening inside your body—reduced visceral fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and better overall metabolic health.
Schedule Your DEXA Scan Today
Take control of your PCOS management with a comprehensive body composition assessment at the Lamkin Clinic. Our DEXA scanning technology provides the detailed insights needed to develop a truly personalized treatment plan.
Call us at (405) 285-4762 or book your appointment online today.
The Lamkin Clinic is Oklahoma’s leading functional medicine center, serving patients from Oklahoma City, Edmond, and surrounding communities with advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans.
References:
- Hutchison, S. K., et al. (2011). Effects of exercise on insulin resistance and body composition in overweight and obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(1), E48-56.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 194.
Related Resources:
The Lamkin Clinic: Why Your Scale is Lying: The Link Between Body Composition and Metabolic Health
The Lamkin Clinic: Unlock Your Health: How DEXA Scans Reveal the Hidden Risks of Visceral Fat