More and more people recognize the merits of healthy eating and regular exercise to manage their weight. However, while you can adjust your diet and take other actions to bring your weight down, it’s not always possible to achieve the results you want.
If you’re on a weight loss journey, a healthcare professional may be able to help. The question is, when should you approach a family doctor about weight loss?
If Diet, Exercise, And Other Healthy Practices Aren’t Working
The simple principle of weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. For some, following a strict diet plan and exercise regime can get rid of excess pounds easily. However, everyone has slightly different physiology — what may work for others may not necessarily work for you because of several factors:
- Age
- Genetics
- Hormone imbalances
- Lifestyle habits
Other Underlying Conditions
There are other possible causes for your inability to lose weight. Among the underlying conditions affecting your body’s ability to lose weight is hypothyroidism. If you have this condition, it means your thyroid isn’t producing enough of the thyroxine hormone. This imbalance can slow down your metabolism and may result in unexpected weight gain.
The opposite of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, is a condition wherein your thyroid releases too many hormones. This condition promotes metabolism, which may cause you to lose more weight than normal. To treat these issues, your doctor will need to address the imbalance with hormone therapy.
If you are receiving treatment for your thyroid issue, you will still need diet and exercise. Your family doctor can guide you through this process and monitor your medical condition long-term.
If You’re Overweight Or Nearing Obesity
While a little bit of fat is healthy, excessive amounts can cause chronic illnesses. According to the CDC, over 42% of American adults are obese. Those with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30.0 are considered obese. On the other hand, those within the 25.0-29.9 BMI range are in the overweight section.
If your BMI is nearing 25.0, consult your doctor on the best way to go about weight loss safely. Losing a lot of weight, as is the case for people with high BMIs, is much more difficult than losing a few pounds. The heavier you are, the better off you will be seeking the help of a doctor.
However, BMI is not the only standard to determine if you’re nearing the obesity threshold. Excess fat usually resides in the abdominal area. Check your waist circumference. Women with a waist circumference of more than 35 are prone to obesity and other health complications. Additionally, men with a waist circumference of more than 40 inches are at higher risk.
By visiting your doctor, you can also check for other vital health information like blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. They may order tests, like blood tests, cholesterol tests, and electrocardiograms, to get a better picture of your overall health. Beyond giving weight loss recommendations, they can identify warning signs of complications related to obesity, including:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Heartburn, liver complications, and other digestive issues
- Osteoarthritis
- Type II diabetes
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
If you’ve been diagnosed with these complications, your doctor can craft a medical weight loss plan. Aside from giving you evidence-based nutritional plans and exercise regimes, family doctors can also give you helpful tips on managing complications while simultaneously losing weight.
Weight Loss And Nutrition Expert In Kennesaw, GA
