Is it necessary to see a doctor when considering starting a weight loss program?
Yes, it is. Losing weight isn’t all about exercising, dieting, and shedding off some pounds. Your whole body needs to adapt to the changes in your weight loss in an even manner.
It’s important to consult a weight management doctor to avoid complications when undergoing a weight loss program. You need a specialist who can recommend a plan that will work for your specific body type.
It’s also good to consult your primary care physician. They can advise you on the benefits or demerits of losing weight based on your medical history.
Here are essential questions you should ask about your doctor recommended weight loss program:
1. Why Should I Lose Weight?
This is the first question you should ask your weight doctor and then build upon it. Not every one that considers losing weight is a good candidate for weight loss. But if your doctor recommends that you enroll for a weight loss program, then they must have a good reason.
Your physician may suggest you lose weight because your current body mass index (BMI) number is high than normal. BMI is a measure of weight to height. Healthy BMI is set to be between 18.5 and 25, and any readings beyond 25 indicate you’re overweight.
High BMI increases the risk of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart complications. The health risks associated with your weight may be the reason your physician recommends you shed some pounds.
2. What Weight or BMI Should I Aim to Achieve?
For effective results with your doctor recommended weight loss program, you need to have a goal. You need to know what you’ll be striving to achieve so that you can set your mind to it.
Your doctor will most likely use your BMI to set a target. The objective will be to achieve a BMI rating that’s between 18.5 and 25. You can work with them to define a goal that’s achievable and sustainable.
In most cases, losing about 5 percent of your total body mass in the first three months is a good start. It can significantly improve your health.
3. Is My Current Health Status Okay to Diet?
If you have been having some problems with your health or suffering from certain medical conditions, ask your doctor if it’s still okay to start your physician diet. The doctor may advise against it until your situation stabilizes.
It’s vital to be healthy when dieting. Drastically cutting off some foods or putting too much strain on your muscles during workouts can have diverse effects on your body if it’s not in good shape.
4. Is My Weight Currently Affecting My Health?
It’s good to have your doctor do some tests on you to determine if you have any health problems related to being overweight. They can take blood tests to screen for high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver among more.
If you’re already suffering from a health condition associated with excess weight, you’ll have more incentive to shed it.
5. How Long Will It Take to Achieve My Target Weight?
Ask your weight management doctor how long it should take you to see concrete results from the doctor recommended weight loss program. Depending on your body mass, health status, and other special factors, your physician will tell you the advisable amount of pounds to shed each week.
It may take you weeks or a few months to achieve your desired weight. But based on experience with other patients, your doctor will give you a reliable range of the expected timeframe.
6. How Will Losing Weight Impact My Health?
The case for each person looking to lose weight is different. Press your doctor to tell you the exact impact of losing weight on your health.
Dig in to get some specifics. You might find that a 6 percent reduction in your weight will help you do away with your blood pressure prescriptions. This will give you extra motivation to work harder in shedding off excess weight.
7. What If the Weight Loss Program Doesn’t Work?
If you have tried other weight loss methods in the past and they didn’t help, you can ask your doctor for alternatives. There are many other reliable ways to shedding off weight other than dieting and working out.
Talk to the doctor about the diet programs you have tried before. Most physicians will not advise you to take diet medications because many of them have side effects. They may suggest a simple, effective, and FDA-approved non-surgical weight loss solution like The Orbera Ballon.
8. Is There a Diet Plan that’s Okay with My Medical Condition?
If you have a condition like diabetes or hypertension, you’ll need a special diet plan. Find out if the doctor’s diet plan can accommodate you. Ask if there are any foods or drinks that you should avoid to avoid interfering with the weight loss program.
9. Do Any of My Medications Cause Me to Gain Weight?
Some common drugs are notorious for making people gain weight. This includes steroids, antidepressants, and antihistamines.
Be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you’re taking. If they’re the reason for some of your weight gain, your physician could substitute them with another alternative.
10. Where Can I Seek More Help?
Few people prefer to let doctors handle their weight loss alone. After all, most health care physicians are busy and can’t focus on your progress in the best way possible.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a workout instructor, therapist, nutritionist, or dietician. For best weight loss results, you’ll have to balance your diet, exercise, and medication.
11. Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
If you have too much weight to lose, say your BMI is above 40, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. Ask your doctor if it’s an option to consider or if there is a non-surgical procedure that can still help you.
Questions for a Doctor Recommended Weight Loss Program!
Ask all the above questions about your doctor recommended weight loss program. It’s good to ensure that you both understand each other. Schedule your free consultation today, and begin your weight loss journey with our incredible weight loss program!