(M/25, 172cm) Stuck 8 weeks at 91.4kg on 1400–1500 kcal. What am I missing when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances

Understanding Your Weight Loss Plateau

At 172cm and 91.4kg, your BMI sits around 31, placing you in the obese range. Holding steady at 1400–1500 kcal for eight weeks signals your body has adapted. While the query mentions PCOS, this condition primarily affects women. For men, similar stalls often stem from insulin resistance, elevated cortisol, low testosterone, or thyroid slowdowns. These hormonal imbalances reduce your metabolic rate by 15-20% after prolonged deficits, a common pattern I detail in my Metabolic Reset Protocol.

Key Hormonal Factors Beyond PCOS

Insulin resistance is the top culprit for both sexes. Even at moderate calories, high-carb intake keeps insulin elevated, blocking fat burning. Studies show men with central obesity often have 30% higher fasting insulin. Next, chronic stress raises cortisol, which promotes abdominal fat storage and muscle breakdown. Low testosterone, seen in 40% of overweight men under 30, further slows metabolism. Finally, adaptive thermogenesis can drop your daily burn by 300-500 calories.

Practical Steps to Break the Stall

First, track accurately for 7 days using a food scale—no eyeballing. Calculate your true TDEE; at your stats it likely started near 2200-2400 kcal. To reverse adaptation, implement a 10-14 day diet break at maintenance (around 2100 kcal) with higher protein (2g per kg bodyweight, so 180g daily). This restores leptin and thyroid hormones. Reduce stress with 10-minute daily breathwork. Add resistance training 3x weekly—focus on compounds like squats and deadlifts to build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity. Walk 8,000 steps daily; this gentle movement fits busy schedules and eases joint pain many experience.

Testing and Long-Term Strategy

Get bloodwork: fasting insulin, HbA1c, free T3/T4, cortisol, and total/free testosterone. If insulin resistance shows, cycle carbs lower on rest days (under 100g) and higher (200g) on training days. My approach in the Metabolic Reset Protocol emphasizes sustainable 500-calorie deficits after refeeds, not endless restriction. Most men see 0.5-1kg weekly loss resuming within 3 weeks. Address diabetes or blood pressure markers simultaneously—improved hormones often normalize both. Consistency beats perfection; small daily actions compound faster than another restrictive diet.