Have you been losing the same five
pounds over and over again? Finally dropping those pesky pounds is not an easy
process. No matter how many diets on the market, the scale just won’t budge.
If you’ve experimented with every weight-loss method and explored every avenue,
it’s time to try something different to get to a healthy weight. When you’re
looking to lose weight, doctors can help you create a plan that’s right for
you. Keep reading to learn more.
Getting
Down to a Healthy Weight
To determine whether or not you are
in the category of “healthy weight,” a doctor may measure your body mass index
or BMI. Your BMI is a calculation using height and weight for a rough
indication of your risk of weight-related health problems. These numbers vary
for people of different genders and ages.
A normal BMI for an adult (20 years and older) is between
18.5 and 24.9. An overweight BMI is from 25 to 29; what is considered an obese
BMI is anything above 30.0. A man at a height of 5’ 8” is at minimal risk of
weight-related diseases at a weight of 163 lbs or lower.
There are limitations to this
system, but it can give medical professionals an idea of the amount of body fat
a person has. Other methods include the skin fold test or waist circumference
measurement.
Why
It’s Important
Living at a higher weight puts you
at an increased risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2
diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, and more. If these diseases run
in your family, you are already at a higher risk. This is why doctors put a
focus on helping patients reach a healthy weight.
If you’re taking on weight loss on
your own or have been directed by a doctor to lose weight, you were likely told
the same basic information everyone gets. The standard advice is to lose 1 to 2
lbs per week, which means cutting off 500 to 1000 per day. While this advice is
enough for some people, it’s not for everyone.
If you have been pursuing weight loss on your own, here are some steps to help
the process be less stressful.
Work
With A Dietitian
A dietitian is a medical
professional who specializes in the area of food and nutrition. They often work
closely with patients in hospital or outpatient settings to help manage chronic
diseases like diabetes. Patients work one-on-one to build goals and make
sustainable changes.
If you make an appointment to speak with a dietitian, you’ll likely come away
with a meal plan. Dietitians will ask you nd about your typical diet, activity
level, and overall health. They can help you ease into a calorie-restrictive or
lifestyle diet.
If you’ve tried working with medical professionals in the field of nutrition
before or diets don’t work for you, you may want to consider medical weight
loss.
Losing
Weight With The Help Of a Doctor
Medical weight loss is a big step to
take. It is different than a diet plan prescribed by other doctors. When you
chose to lose weight with guidance from a doctor, you’ll be given a holistic
weight-loss plan.
This will include a diet plan as well as steps to take to challenge and change
your thoughts and address the struggles that have prevented weight loss in the
past. It focuses on the behavioral aspect of weight loss. It is designed for
long-term results.
A program for medical weight loss is run with patients in mind, and the plan
you’re given is guaranteed to be designed for you and no one else. Your
specialist will make your plan after learning more about your journey and
conducting a battery of tests.
Challenging
Your Behaviors
Something that your medical weight
loss doctor will have you challenge is your mindset. Once you’ve started
thinking about how you will adopt a healthier way of life and start losing
weight, you will be successful. Don’t get in your own way.
Another attitude to look at is how
you manage your appetite. Everyone mindlessly eats from time to time and eats
when they aren’t hungry. However, if this is a regular practice for you, it’s
time to take a step back.
Learning how to control your appetite and urges to eat out of boredom or just
when you aren’t hungry is the next most significant step. When you make better
meal choices and adopt a schedule, you may find this change is easier than you
realized.
Medical
Weight Loss
Your doctor or weight loss
specialist will take a look at the progress you’ve made since you started your
medical weight loss journey and determine whether you are ready for or need
weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is often reserved for those who are at
an obese BMI and have a weight-related health condition. It should be viewed
strictly as a last resort option.
Before undergoing weight loss surgery, you will have to incorporate many of the
same lifestyle changes listed above, like portion control and changing your
mindset. It is not a one and done solution. It requires a lifetime of
maintenance and could lead to complications.
Following a medical weight loss specialist’s advice is the best way to approach
this situation after trying everything. If you wish to seek treatment for a sustainable approach to weight loss, consult a specialist.
Maintaining
Your New Weight
After working with a doctor to lose
weight, you’ll have to learn how to maintain your new weight. This will include
the changes you’ve already made, as well as changes to your day-to-day life.
To maintain your weight loss, one of the most important things is to drink
plenty of water. Inadequate hydration leads to water retention, which could
look like extra pounds on the scale. Along with drinking enough water, make
sure to get enough fiber.
The FDA recommends getting 28 grams of fiber per day. This is easily achieved by
eating plenty of whole grains, fresh whole fruit, green vegetables, etc.
Find new and fun ways to incorporate
exercise into your day. Maintaining your weight and staying on track can still
be fun and rewarding.
Lose
Weight With Doctor’s Guidance
If you've tried absolutely
everything to lose weight, doctors can help. A weight-loss specialist will work
with you to create sustainable goals and a practical diet plan. They will help
you challenge behaviors and thoughts that have prevented weight loss in the
past.
Don’t get in your own way. If you enjoy this article and want to read more
about health, fitness, or lifestyle advice, check out the rest of our site!
