With obesity levels in the United States at an all-time high (estimates say a frightening 36% of Americans are obese), the obsession with quick weight loss programs and ‘crash’ diets has spawned a multi-billion dollar industry. Unfortunately, most people are so eager to drop the pounds that they fail to take one of the most important steps, which is to speak to their doctor about their weight loss goals. Who do you think is more likely to tell you the truth about weight loss, a marketer eager to sell his product or a trained medical professional who has a duty of care to his/her patients?
Consultation
Instead of leaping on the fad bandwagon, talk to your doctor about physical activities and healthy eating plans that can help you slowly and safely lose your excess weight while successfully keeping it off.
Your physician will be able to tell you the benefits of specific weight loss programs, which include reducing the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and developing heart disease.
When undergoing a consultation, be prepared to learn the ugly truth about losing weight. It takes time, patience and determination. No reputable medical professional will ever advocate a fad diet and you may not like some of the things you hear. However, your physician’s job is to protect your health, not necessarily your ego! It is important to set realistic goals and your doctor will be able to offer practical suggestions on lifestyle changes that do not completely change the way you live your life.
Be Inquisitive
It is your responsibility to ask questions you need the answers to. Again, it is much better to learn the answers from a doctor instead of an online company, or worse yet, a television commercial. Here are a few benefits of a medical consultation:
- Ask for a BMI test and discover what it means in relation to your health.
- Get the doctor to measure your waist and find out the healthy waist size range.
- Describe your existing diet and activity and work with your doctor to make realistic changes for better health.
- Your doctor will inform you if your health prevents you from participating in any weight loss program or exercise regime.
If you have certain medical conditions, you may find that a reduction in your body weight of just 10% can make a huge difference to your health. Weight loss has many benefits and may even allow you to stop taking medication. For example, if you are on medication for high blood pressure, weight loss will reduce it naturally so you can stop taking the pills if your doctor permits it. While a doctor can’t prevent you eating junk food and can’t force you to exercise, he/she can provide support and useful information that gets you started on the right road. Permanent weight loss can’t be found in pill form, so work with your physician, reduce your waist size, and improve your overall health.
