The Best Doctor for Weight Loss
Before you make an appointment, you might wonder about what kind of doctor to see about losing weight. There are probably dozens of weight loss doctors in your area and many of them may be connected to a diet program or service. Eventually, these doctors may be able to help.
But when you are starting a weight loss program, you should see your primary care doctor first. Why? Because even though your Doctor may not be an expert in weight loss, your primary care doctor is an expert in your medical history. Your regular doctor can address general questions about weight loss and give personalized answers based on your own health history and medical conditions.
If your doctor is not able to answer specific questions about popular diet programs, exercise routines or about weight loss medications, he or she can refer you to the best expert in your area.
Weight Loss Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When you first see a doctor for weight loss, begin the conversation by explaining that you want to lose weight.
Your physician may take it from there and offer suggestions for diet programs or exercise plans to follow. But if not, ask these questions to get the information you need.
1. Should I lose weight?
Your physician may give you a quick answer or he may take some time to calculate your BMI. Some physicians may also be able to measure your body composition as well.
2. Am I healthy enough to diet?
If you have been undergoing health changes,your physician may ask you to wait until your condition has stabilized to start a diet or exercise program.
3. How much weight should I lose?
The answer to this question may depend on how much weight you want to lose, but it is possible that your physician will have a recommendation as well. With input from your doctor, you may be able to set a more reasonable goal.
4. Does my weight affect my health?
There are some conditions like diabetes or hypertension that may improve if you lose weight. Ask your doctor if a diet or exercise program can improve your medical condition.
5. How will my health improve if I lose weight?
Knowing the answer to this question may provide motivation for you when you hit a weight loss plateau or when you lack the energy to continue with your program. An improvement in your medical condition may mean that you can take less medication or see your doctor less often.
6. Can I take weight loss
medication?
You can talk to your doctor about weight loss medication if you are significantly overweight and if you have tried other weight-loss methods without success. Before you talk to your doctor about diet pills you should be prepared to explain the different diet programs you have tried. Many diet medications have side effects. Your doctor will probably want you to try safer, more common methods of weight loss before you go on medication.
7. How much weight do I need to
lose to see a benefit?
In some cases, just a small amount
of weight loss can have a
significant impact on your health.
8. Do I have a medical condition
that should affect the diet plan I
Chose?
There are specific diet plans that
are recommended for people who
have conditions like diabetes or
hypertension. Find out if there is a
plan that is recommended for you.
9. Are there any foods I should
avoid?
Some medications can become less
effective if you eat certain foods.
Grapefruit for example, is not
recommended for people who are
on cholesterol-loweirng
medications. Write down any
foods you should avoid and post
the list in a place where you see it
everyday.
10. Am I healthy enough for
vigorous physical activity?
Make sure you are healthy
enough for both strength and
cardiovascular workouts. If your
doctor provides limitations, you
may want to write them down so
that you remember them after
you leave the office.
11. How should I monitor my
exercise intensity?
Most exercise programs require
that you work at different levels
of intensity. But not all methods
of monitoring exercise intensity
work for all exercisers. Heart rate
monitors, for example, won't
work for people who are on
medications that keep their heart
rate low. Ask your doctor to be
sure.
This initial conversation with your doctor should provide you with all of the information you need to begin your weight loss program. As you continue on your program,be sure to contact your physician if you notice unusual symptoms or changes to your health that cause alarm.
If you have problems losing weight, don't hesitate to revisit your doctor to see if there might be a medical or physical reason for your struggle. If you have tried lose weight for six months or more and your weight has caused health problems, you may want to discuss the possibility of weight loss surgery.
Sources:
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Lisa Hark, Ph.D., R.D., Darwin Deen, Jr., M.D., M.S "Taking a Nutrition History: A Practical Approach for Family Physicians. " American Family Physician March 1999.
U.S Department of Health and Human services. Losing Weight. Questions for the Doctor. Healthfinder.gov
http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/conditions-and-diseases/obesity/losing-weight-questions-for-the-doctor Accessed: November 13,2015.
Maria L. Loureiro, Rodolfo M. Nayga Jr. "Obesity, weight loss, and physician's advice." Social Science and Medicine May 2006.
Kathryn I. Pollak, Stewart C. Alexander, PhD., Cynthia J. Coffman, PhD., James A. Tulsky, MD, Pauline Lyna, MPH, Rowena J. Dolor, MD, MHS., Iguehi E. James, MPH., Rebecca J. Namenek Brouwer, MS., Justin R.E. Manusov, BA., Truls Ostbye, MD, PhD. "Physician Communication Techniques and Weight Loss in Adults: Project CHAT. " American Journal of Preventative Medicine October 2010.
John G Scott, M.D., Ph.D., Deborah Cohen, Ph.D., Barbara DiCicco-Bloom, R.N., Ph.D., M.H.P., A.John Orzano, Ph.D., M.P.H., Patrice Gregory, Ph.D., M.P.H., Susan A Flocke, Ph.D., Lisa Maxwell, B.S., Benjamin Crabtree, Ph.D. "Speaking of Weight: how patients and primary care clinicians initiate weight loss counseling." Preventive Medicine June 2004.
Susan A. Flocke, Ph.D; Aaron Clark; Katie Schlessman; Ginger Pomiecko. "Exercise,Diet, and Weight Loss Advice in the Family Medicine Outpatient Setting. " Family Medicine June 2005.
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