Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects women in diverse ways, far beyond the number on the scale. M. Vivienne Wang, an Accredited Practising Dietitian based in Melbourne, Australia, knows this all too well. A PCOS warrior herself, Vivienne has dedicated her career to assisting women to manage their symptoms efficiently, addressing the root causes rather than just focusing on weight.
Vivienne started her PCOS journey as a teenager. Struggling with sudden weight gain, binge eating, and skin issues, she lived for years in exasperation, with traditional treatments not working for her. Only when she learned about intuitive eating and evidence-based nutrition in college did she find anything sustainable. Today, she uses her own lived experience and her professional knowledge to help women overcome the issues associated with PCOS.
Addressing PCOS Holistically
Vivienne’s approach as a dietitian goes beyond conventional weight-loss programs. She focuses on helping women understand their unique symptoms and underlying drivers, offering personalized strategies to achieve long-term health improvements.
PCOS can cause a wide range of symptoms, from acne and irregular menstrual periods to problems with fertility. Vivienne reinforces this by pointing out that each person has unique driving forces, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, or hormone imbalances. Her PCOS Root Cause Quiz helps women uncover the factors contributing to their symptoms, enabling personalized care plans.
While weight management can be part of PCOS care, Vivienne believes in looking beyond the scale. “Focusing solely on weight overlooks the bigger picture,” she explains. Instead, her approach focuses on nourishing the body, increasing energy levels, and restoring hormonal balance through a balanced diet and lifestyle change.
Vivienne provides unique support for women who want to get pregnant and for those already experiencing some of the adverse effects of PCOS during pregnancy, helping improve fertility and reduce complications. Her self-paced online course, the PCOS Fertility Solution, gives women exactly what they need to prepare their bodies for pregnancy—and a focus on managing those symptoms at the same time.
Vivienne’s history of counting calories and eating restrictedly has influenced her commitment to a non-diet approach. She advocates intuitive eating and enables women to listen to their bodies, have a healthier relationship with food, and prioritize their well-being over meaningless weight goals.
Empowering Women with Knowledge
Vivienne’s work goes beyond individual consultations. Through her platform, PCOS Dietitian Vivienne, she shares resources designed to support women in managing PCOS. Her courses, such as the PCOS Fertility Solution, offer adaptable approaches informed by scientific research to help manage symptoms at different stages of life. Her website and social media platforms also provide information on symptom management, fertility, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Vivienne has credentials from Dietitians Australia and the Early Life Nutrition Alliance, which makes her stand out as a professional individual within the industry. She also contributes to Brainz Magazine, sharing her insights with a global audience.
Breaking Stigmas Around PCOS
Vivienne is determined to shift the narrative surrounding PCOS. Too often, the condition is reduced to weight-related challenges, leaving women feeling dismissed or misunderstood. She advocates for a more compassionate, informed approach to care through her work.
Her personal story resonates deeply with her clients. Diagnosed in middle school, Vivienne understands the physical and emotional toll PCOS can take. She recalls being told that nothing could be done if she couldn’t lose weight, a message that left her feeling isolated and frustrated.
She works to create a supportive environment for her clients, acknowledging the complexities of PCOS. Her approach emphasizes understanding the underlying causes of symptoms and exploring ways to address them. Her personal experience with learning about PCOS allows her to connect with and support others navigating this condition.
Published by Drake M.