SustainMD offers a physician-guided PCOS weight loss program designed to address the hormonal and metabolic factors that make weight loss uniquely difficult for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age and has a profound impact on metabolism. Most women with PCOS also have some degree of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
When insulin resistance is present, the body produces more insulin to compensate. Elevated insulin levels promote fat storage, particularly around the abdomen, disrupt hunger hormones, and increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods. The result is a metabolic environment that actively works against weight loss, even when a woman is eating carefully and exercising regularly.
This is why standard calorie-restriction diets often fail for women with PCOS. Without addressing the underlying insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, sustainable weight loss is difficult to achieve. A physician-guided program that targets these root causes offers a more effective path forward.
Insulin Resistance and Fat Storage
Elevated insulin levels promote fat storage and make it harder for the body to use stored fat for energy. This leads to weight gain that is resistant to conventional diet approaches.
PCOS affects multiple hormones that regulate appetite, energy, and fat distribution. Imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and androgens contribute to weight gain and make weight loss more difficult.
Elevated Androgens
Higher androgen levels in PCOS can lead to increased abdominal fat storage, which is associated with greater metabolic risk and more significant insulin resistance.
Irregular Cycles and Metabolic Impact
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles reflect underlying hormonal disruption that also affects energy metabolism, making consistent weight management more challenging.
SustainMD provides physician-guided management support for a range of chronic conditions, including:
Prediabetes and insulin resistance
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
Metabolic syndrome
Obesity and weight-related metabolic conditions
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid disorders
Chronic fatigue and low energy related to metabolic health
If you are unsure whether your condition is supported, contact our team. Dr. Barbee will review your health history during your consultation to determine the best path forward.
Your Care Journey
Step 1
Comprehensive Physician Consultation
Your care begins with a detailed virtual visit. Dr. Allison Pope Barbee reviews your PCOS diagnosis, hormonal health history, metabolic markers, and weight history to understand the full picture.
Step 2
Targeted Lab Evaluation
Lab testing assesses insulin levels, blood sugar patterns, androgen levels, thyroid function, and other relevant markers. This information drives a more precise and effective treatment plan.
Step 3
Personalized PCOS Weight Loss Plan
Your treatment plan is designed to address both PCOS and the metabolic factors driving weight gain. This may include targeted nutrition strategies, physical activity guidance, and medical therapies when appropriate.
Step 4
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Many patients with PCOS and insulin resistance benefit from continuous glucose monitoring. This technology helps identify how specific foods, stress, and daily habits affect blood sugar and insulin levels.
Step 5
Ongoing Physician Support
Regular virtual follow-up visits allow Dr. Barbee to monitor your progress, refine your plan, and adjust treatment as your metabolic health improves.
Our physician-guided approach to PCOS weight loss may include:
Our PCOS weight loss program may be a good fit for women who:
When the hormonal and metabolic drivers of PCOS are addressed directly, patients often experience:
Program Fee
Initial Consultation
More effective and sustainable weight loss
Reduced sugar cravings and appetite fluctuations
More regular menstrual cycles
Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue
Better blood sugar stability
Reduced risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes
Greater confidence in managing their metabolic health
Program Fee
Initial Consultation
Your care is guided by Dr. Allison Pope Barbee, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician with advanced training in obesity medicine and metabolic health. Dr. Barbee understands the complex relationship between PCOS, insulin resistance, and weight, and builds treatment plans that reflect that complexity.
SustainMD does not rely on generic weight loss advice. The program is designed to target the specific hormonal and metabolic dysfunction driving your weight challenges.
You can access expert PCOS weight loss care from wherever you are with no need to travel to a clinic.
SustainMD provides telehealth services for patients located in
Patients can access physician guided weight loss care through secure virtual visits.
Patient12
Dr. Barbee listens to your concerns, is empathetic and knowledgable. Not once has she made me feel ashamed or less than. She gives practical, reasonable and most importantly, doable recommendations. She uses lifestyle interventions instead of immediately jumping to medications, but will also use medications if you and she believe
Patient11
Dr. Barbee has been a remarkable weight loss physician for me. She distinguished herself by customizing her approach to suit my individual needs. Throughout our sessions, she was incredibly attentive, understanding my specific health concerns and weight loss goals. Dr. Barbee excelled in explaining the details of the medications she
Patient10
Dr. Barbee is an extremely knowledgeable physician who I rely on with all my medical needs. Her bedside manner is impeccable and very friendly. She listens to all of my issues and gets to the bottom of any problem you may have. I honestly cannot say enough good things about
Patient9
Dr Barbee actually listened to me and was able to diagnose my symptoms and actually treat and control the issue. I can not thank her enough! She was super patient and kind. Something you don’t really see now a days.
A.M.
Dr. Barbee understands that health is not one-size-fits-all. She takes the time to listen, remembers details, and works collaboratively with me as things evolve. The most meaningful part of working with her is feeling truly heard and supported, not just during appointments but overall in my care.
Andrea
The best! I have been a patient of Dr. Barbee’s for years! She has guided and treated me in my worst and best days. Her professionalism is top notch, along with her knowledge of health. You cannot ask for any better care than Dr. Barbee!
Suzanne Layser
Truly a compassionate Doctor- I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Barbee. I felt truly cared for. Dr. Barbee was incredibly compassionate, took the time to really listen, and never made me feel rushed. She asked thoughtful questions and genuinely wanted to understand what I was experiencing. What impressed
Patient8
Dr. Barbee is an extremely knowledgeable physician who I rely on with all my medical needs. Her bedside manner is impeccable and very friendly. She listens to all of my issues and gets to the bottom of any problem you may have. I honestly cannot say enough good things about
Patient7
Great doctor- Dr. Barbee is a kind and caring doctor. She is the type of person you can talk to and really will listen. She understands your problems and will work with you to solve them. She is very thorough and make sure everything is looked at does not miss
Patient6
Thoughtful, caring and truly helpful-I have been a patient of Dr. Barbee for many years. I have always found her honest and helpful. She works hard to look at root causes, which can take a while to figure out. She is persistent, yet kind. As we age, our bodies change.
PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance, which promotes fat storage, disrupts hunger hormones, and increases cravings. These metabolic factors make traditional calorie-restriction diets less effective and require a more targeted approach.
Yes. Improving insulin sensitivity is one of the most important steps in PCOS weight loss. When insulin levels normalize, the body can use glucose more efficiently, reduce fat storage, and regulate appetite more effectively.
Several medications may be appropriate for women with PCOS, depending on their specific metabolic profile. Dr. Barbee will discuss medication options during your consultation based on your health history and lab results.
The initial program runs for three months with ongoing support available. Treatment duration depends on your individual goals and progress.
Yes. A significant portion of PCOS care including lab review, medication management, and lifestyle guidance can be delivered effectively through telehealth.
If you have been struggling with your weight despite managing your PCOS, you are not alone, and the solution may require more than a standard diet plan. SustainMD’s physician-guided program is designed to address the metabolic root causes of weight gain in PCOS and build a sustainable path toward better health.
Physician Credentials
Care is provided by Dr. Allison Pope Barbee, MD, a board certified family medicine physician with advanced training in obesity medicine and metabolic health.
Educational Disclaimer
Information on this page is provided for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Not Emergency Care
SustainMD telehealth services are not intended for emergency medical situations.
Privacy and Security
All virtual visits are conducted using secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms to protect patient privacy.
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Whether you’re interested in our comprehensive medical weight loss program, our dedicated obesity management services, or our revolutionary direct primary care model, SustainMD is here to help.
