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!
