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Sasha Pieterse’s Weight Loss Struggles And Success: Truth Revealed
A healthy diet and workout were the two factors that helped Sasha Pieterse lose weight. Read about Sasha Pieterse's weight loss journey!
It is no news that Sasha Pieterse gained approximately 70 pounds and lost her confidence when she was just 17. Sasha Pieterse, the renowned actress and singer, has had a fair share of health struggles - she battled with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and gained approximately 70 pounds. However, she redefined her lifestyle and embraced every change while on the journey of transformation. Over the years, Sasha Pieterse's weight loss journey has inspired millions around the world.
The Pretty Little Liars actress's journey toward weight loss began right from her struggles with PCOS. In an interaction with the media, she publicly mentioned gaining 70 pounds due to PCOS, one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age (1). Talking about her tremendous transformation, she gave credit to the reality show Dancing with the Stars, which helped her shed pounds. Do you wish to know how exactly the star slimmed down? Keep scrolling!
Who Is Sasha Pieterse?
Sasha Pieterse is a versatile personality known for her roles in television shows, films, and series. At the age of 4, the film and TV personality began modeling and was always accustomed to a career in the entertainment industry. During the initial days, she appeared in commercials and magazine front covers. At the age of 6, she kickstarted her acting career with the television sitcom, Family Affair. Later, she made her film debut in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
In late 2009, when she was only 13 years old, Sasha Pieterse signed up for the Freeform teen drama television series, Pretty Little Liars which aired from 2010 to 2017. The spin-off series of the show titled Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists was then released in the year 2019. During the show’s run, she gained 70 pounds due to PCOS, a complex condition characterized by elevated androgen levels and menstrual irregularities (1).
As per a research study published in NCBI, 40 to 80% of women with PCOS are reported to be overweight or obese (2). In one of the interviews, Sasha mentioned that she went to see medical professionals in an attempt to ease her symptoms and prevent her weight gain. Since the actress was shooting for Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, her body changes and transformation was documented on camera.
She has been married to her longtime boyfriend, Hudson Sheaffer since 2018. The couple were blessed with a baby boy in the year 2020.
Sasha Pieterse's Struggles with PCOS
The mother-of-one confessed that she never had a regular menstruation cycle. When she visited gynecologists, they assured her that her body would regulate itself. Research states that approximately 75 to 85% of women with PCOS have clinically evident menstrual dysfunction (3).
At the age of 15, the actress noticed a difference in her metabolism. Two years later, when she was 17, she gained 70 pounds with no clear reason. In search of answers, Sasha revealed visiting 15 gynecologists who in return blamed her health, bad eating practices, and lack of exercise.
A study published in NCBI claims that androgen excess plays a prominent role in the development of metabolic disturbances associated with PCOS (4). However, at times, the reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS are reversible with lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and exercise (1).
During an appearance on the latest episode of The Squeeze podcast, hosted by Taylor Lautner and his wife Taylor Dome Lautner, the 28-year-old confessed how she was experiencing symptoms of PCOS long before she received a diagnosis.
In one of the discussions, Pieterse shared that the visits to the gynecologists were the most frustrating experience and disheartening. Despite treating her body well with a few behavioral changes, all her efforts went in vain. After long months of struggles and confusion, someone recommended her to see an endocrinologist.
After her visit to the endocrinologist, she got to know that PCOS, the hormonal condition led to irregular periods, gastro issues, weight gain, ovarian cysts, acne, infertility, and excess body hair. Research also states that acne, hyperpigmentation, and unwanted facial and hair growth are among the most common dermatological manifestations of PCOS (5).
While speaking candidly, the 28-year-old star shared that it was frustrating because her condition was fairly easy to diagnose. It is one of the hormone imbalances with outward symptoms visible to everyone. Adding to that, she confessed that it was easy to see because her testosterone or estrogen were really high, with really low vitamin D levels. This meant that she would be deficient in a lot of things.
How Did Sasha Pieterse Lose Weight?
What helped her the most to lose weight was the show, Dancing With the Stars. She participated in the show in the year 2017. It was then that she realized that learning ballroom dance helped her lose weight amid her PCOS journey. She used to binge on the best food possible.
Due to the rehearsals with partner Gleb Savchenko for the show, Sasha lost 15 pounds. It was like a combination of her figuring out what she had. She gives the credit to the dancing reality show and her partner Gleb who had been amazing throughout the journey. She worked hard and felt a lot healthier. That’s when she rediscovered herself!
Read more: Honey Boo Boo’s Weight Loss Story: Disclosing Facts And Truth
How Does Sasha Pieterse Handle PCOS While Maintaining Weight?
Sasha Pieterse participated in Dancing With the Stars and then spoke publically about her health. It was never easy for Sasha to reveal her health condition on national television. Gleb and other participants on the show used to be extremely supportive and Pieterse is forever grateful to them.
In a candid chat, she also shared that the reason behind highlighting her health issues and condition publicly was to raise awareness and encourage other women to get tested. PCOS might seem normal on the outside but the picture can be different on the inside.
It can lead to ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid issues. As per research, it is observed that the different medical conditions occurring as a result of PCOS in females could be leading to cancers of the reproductive system (6).
In an interview, Sasha revealed that she handles PCOS with the help of cardio-heavy sessions for low-impact workouts and a restrictive, low-fat diet for the high-protein and low-carb fare. As per research, exercise is well-established as a therapy for preventing and managing chronic diseases in women with PCOS (7).
Having said that, lifestyle change is the first line of treatment for the management of females with PCOS. Regular physical activity, maintaining appropriate body weight, and following healthy dietary patterns are vital in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders (8).
Sasha Pieterse’s Weight Loss Dietary Plan
In an interview, Sasha mentioned consuming a low-fat and high-protein diet with fewer carbohydrates to stay healthy and fit. It is also true that deficiencies can be balanced with a correct calorie-reduction diet. A balanced diet to support insulin management is the most important treatment for PCOS.
Research also claims that drinking infusions of herbs, including aloe vera, cinnamon, green tea, chamomile, and white mulberry complement PCOS therapy (8). Sasha didn’t clearly speak in depth regarding her diet. All that she throws light upon is a healthy and balanced diet.
Sasha Pieterse’s Workout Regime
Low impact workout helped Sasha to kickstart her metabolism and regulate her hormones. She stressed on the fact that the medication and solution for treating PCOS is unique just as individuals. With appropriate diet, exercise, and medication, her days were easy.
Sasha didn’t share a glimpse of her workout routine, however, research claims that vigorous-intensity exercise may have the greatest impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and insulin resistance (7).
Post the arrival of her baby, the star invested herself in postpartum stretch which comes with its own set of challenges.
Sasha Pieterse’s Before And After Weight Loss Images
The below pictures of Sasha Pieterse's weight gain and loss are not mere photos, but proofs that hard work and perseverance pay off with consistent efforts and determination.
Before:
After:
Fans' Reactions And Thoughts on Sasha Pieterse's Incredible Weight Loss
Sasha's weight loss journey was incredible. She mentioned in an interview that she has always "struggled with weight" and it was not until her early teens that she realized "health was very important." She received a lot of criticism when she gained weight and mentioned that it was pretty "hurtful" how some people reacted with comments like "She's pregnant" and stated that it was one of the "hardest things" she's ever been through. When she lost weight, she felt quite happy. She revealed that she feels "blessed" that she has an "amazing family and friends" and that she feels like herself again after shedding pounds.
Sasha Pieterse's weight loss journey wasn’t a one-night transformation. With appropriate medical guidance and sustainable lifestyle modifications, her efforts and determination yielded fruitful results. Throughout the years, she has been advocating body positivity, emphasizing her personal experiences. The famous personality inspires her fans in a million ways and encourages them to seek medical care right at an early stage.
While shedding light on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet, it is evident that the star’s resilience is what serves as a source of motivation for many. It is indeed astounding to see herself evolving with high spirits and positive well-being.
Sources
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3737989/
2. Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861983/
3. Long and irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome, and ovarian cancer risk in a population-based case-control study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5542050/
4. Metabolic dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome:
Pathogenic role of androgen excess and potential therapeutic strategies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7115104/
5. Update on Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for Dermatologists
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6434760/
6. Risk of Gynecological Cancers in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Pathophysiology of Association
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10164440/
7. Exercise Interventions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358428/
8. Nutrition Strategy and Life Style in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—Narrative Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308732/
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