Poorna Patel opens up about weighing 109 kilos at the age of 13: ‘I had cysts of the size of a melon in my ovary’

"I became a bit of a loner. I was on medication and couldn't do anything," she added

Poorna Patel on PCOD and how it affected her (Source: Poorna Patel/Instagram)

Entrepreneur Poorna Patel opened up about her struggle with PCOD, or polycystic ovarian disease, as a teenager. “At the age of 13½, I had cysts of the size of a melon in my ovary. I had to get operated for it. The only medication for PCOD is birth control pills. Back then, we didn’t have advanced birth control pills like we have today. The traditional birth control pills made me go from 55 kilos to 109 kilos post-surgery. It’s real,” Patel told Rohit Roy on his podcast.

She added, “While everyone else was having fun, going to the movies and buying beautiful clothes and shoes, I was struggling to find denim sized 18 in the US. I became a bit of a loner. I was on medication and couldn’t do anything. I was on a diet, doing exercise but the weight was not budging. So, once I got off the medication, there has been no looking back. That has been my deep-rooted childhood fear.”

Taking a cue from her admission, let’s understand the link between weight gain and PCOD.

Story continues below this ad

Insulin resistance is a key factor contributing to significant weight gain in individuals with PCOD, pointed out Dr Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician, and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune. “This condition prevents the body from effectively using insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. As a result, the body may produce more insulin, leading to increased appetite and fat storage,” said Dr Gaikwad.

Insulin resistance can be behind excessive weight gain (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

While minor weight gain (up to 2 kg) can often be attributed to factors like water retention or nutritional adjustments, more substantial weight gain is typically linked to insulin resistance, added Dr Gaikwad. “By addressing this underlying issue through insulin sensitisers and regular exercise, it’s possible to manage weight effectively,” said Dr Gaikwad.

To counteract this, it’s essential to adopt a proactive lifestyle that focuses on:

Nutritional adjustments: Avoid processed foods high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Regular exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Activities like cardio, strength training, and yoga can help boost metabolism and manage weight.
Lifestyle changes: Prioritise stress management, adequate sleep, and overall well-being to support a healthy weight.

Story continues below this ad

Also Read | A gynaecologist busts myths around PCOS

By addressing insulin resistance and making lifestyle changes, individuals with PCOD can effectively manage weight gain and improve their overall quality of life.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram