Stubborn Weight? Blame Your Gut Bacteria!

If you're a woman struggling with insulin resistance or stubborn weight due to PCOS, I want you to know that you're not alone—and there's more to the story than just diet and exercise. One thing that’s often overlooked is how our gut health plays a massive role in both weight gain and insulin resistance.

What we’re finding is that women with PCOS often have an imbalance in their gut bacteria, particularly with something called Firmicutes. These bacteria are experts at extracting extra calories from the food you eat, especially carbs. Even if you're careful with your intake, Firmicutes can lead your body to absorb more energy than it should. And where does that extra energy go? Straight into fat storage, especially around the belly, which can be incredibly frustrating when you're doing everything right and still not seeing results.

But that’s not the only issue. High levels of Firmicutes also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which in small amounts help keep your gut healthy. When there's too much, though, they can actually promote fat storage and make insulin resistance worse. This imbalance can cause a vicious cycle where your metabolism is working against you rather than with you.

There’s also the issue of inflammation. When the gut is out of balance, toxins from harmful bacteria can leak into the bloodstream, creating low-level inflammation. This inflammation affects how well your body responds to insulin, making it even harder to manage blood sugar and weight.

If this sounds familiar, it might be time to dig deeper into what’s happening in your gut. The good news is, we can actually test your gut health to see if an imbalance like this is contributing to your symptoms. In my clinic, I have access to comprehensive gut testing, which looks at the balance of bacteria, digestive markers, and even inflammation levels. This kind of testing can give us a clearer picture of what’s going on inside and help us develop a plan to get your gut back into a healthy, happy balance.

From there, we can use targeted supplements and diet changes to bring your gut back into harmony, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting healthy insulin sensitivity. Healing the gut might be the missing link in your journey to managing PCOS and finally breaking free from stubborn weight or insulin issues.

If you experience any or many of the following it'd be a good idea to check in on your gut health:

Skin Symptoms

• Acne and oily skin

• Eczema or dermatitis

Reproductive Symptoms

• Frequent candida/thrush

• Reoccurring Bacterial vaginosis

• Pain or discomfort during intercourse

Digestive Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Digestive issues (bloating, gas, constipation, reflux)

Mental Health Symptoms

• Mood changes (anxiety, depression)

• Food sensitivities

• Worsened hay fever or allergies

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be worthwhile to investig

I'm here to support you every step of the way—together, we can take a holistic look at your health and work towards real, lasting changes.