Aida Azizii, a 25-year-old personal assistant, has documented a dramatic transformation, losing 126 pounds in one year after beginning a regimen that included the supplement inositol. Her journey has shed light on the potential of this low-cost supplement to aid in weight management and alleviate symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting millions of women.
Azizii struggled for nearly a decade with PCOS, which caused weight gain, cravings, and other issues. She tried various approaches, including the prescription medication metformin, which initially helped with weight loss but led to severe nausea, forcing her to discontinue it. Following this, her weight increased significantly, reaching 294 pounds and a US size 18.
"I always wore black to hide my figure," Azizii stated. "I never took photos of myself because I was ashamed. People would call me fat when I posted photos on Instagram, so I started hiding my body. But you could still tell from my face how much weight I'd gained."
Seeking an alternative, Azizii discovered inositol, a naturally occurring compound often referred to as vitamin B8, through online discussions. After consulting her doctor, she began taking a single 1-gram capsule daily. Within weeks, she reported a reduction in sugar cravings. As she continued, gradually increasing her dosage to four capsules daily, she observed significant weight loss.
After a year, Azizii had lost 126 pounds, bringing her weight down to 168 pounds and her dress size to a US size 6. "Inositol changed my life," she said. "I'd tried everything, from prescription medications to every diet you can imagine, and nothing worked like this."
Recent research offers scientific backing to these anecdotal reports. A review of studies involving over 400 patients, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, suggests that inositol may help rebalance hormones in women with PCOS. This could potentially address symptoms such as excess hair growth and fertility issues, though researchers note that further investigation is necessary.
Inositol is a carbohydrate compound found in foods like rice, and in concentrated doses, it is believed to regulate hormone levels. Its effects on insulin levels, similar to those of metformin, have drawn attention from medical researchers. Studies have indicated that women with PCOS taking inositol have experienced comparable weight loss to those on metformin. An analysis of nine trials published in 2017 found that individuals taking inositol for over 24 weeks were more likely to show metabolic improvements, including weight loss and lower blood sugar.
While many hospitals in the UK now suggest inositol for PCOS patients, some medical professionals remain cautious, citing the need for more definitive research. Professor Naveed Sattar, a metabolic expert at the University of Glasgow, suggests that observed weight loss might be influenced by concurrent diet and exercise changes rather than solely attributable to the supplement.