How to Get Medical Consultation on Your Diet

We've all been there, that cranky starving-yourself diet that's a lot of work and still doesn't work. A good diet doesn’t have to be like that. If you want to lose weight in a healthy way consult with medical professionals. Instead of setting yourself up for a yo-yo bounce you can plan a long-term strategy that gets you back into shape, not just for "beach season" but for life.

Ten Questions to Ask

Your doctor may not talk to you about weight loss unless you bring it up. Be ready to ask specific questions about the diet(s) you are considering starting and the impact they might have on your overall health. While weight loss is often a means to improved health some diets can have a negative impact. Here are ten questions to get the conversation started:

Could health issues be affecting my weight?Am I healthy enough to begin dieting?Is there any reason to restrict exercise, like sticking to low-impact only?What would a realistic goal weight be for me?How long should it take me to lose weight?Do any of my meds cause weight gain as a side effect?How much weight do I need to lose before I start seeing health benefits?What should I be monitoring: body mass index (BMI), weight or circumference/measurements?What’s realistic in terms of pills or surgeries, and when would it be time to consider those options?Who do you recommend for more help with my diet?

The Surprising Quick Fix

Much as you may want to believe in a simple one-and-done fix for permanent weight loss, there isn’t one. No matter what pills and procedures you might try, permanent healthy weight loss comes down to changing your lifestyle and cultivating healthier habits. Fortunately there is a quick fix to getting started: Call in the professionals. Ask for referrals to nutritionists and dietitians to plan meals that will work for you. Your general practitioner can also refer you to a physical therapist if you have difficulties with movement. Consider seeing a psychologist for help with the mental challenges of overcoming unhealthy eating patterns. It’s important to address the mental, physical, and nutritional aspects of any diet to improve the sustainability of your weight loss.

One Simple Trick

With all the great resources and health professionals available to help you with your weight loss you may be anxious to get started. Before you do, take a few minutes to verify your providers. While it’s unsettling to think about, the truth is that there are some doctors and medical practitioners out there who are not in good standing. You can verify licensing and board certification by making a few phone calls, or check online for real time WebID medical license verification.

Take the Test

Your doctor will want to monitor your health as you lose weight. Along with regularly checking your BMI you may need, or want, to do regular screenings for diabetes and kidney health. If your waist measures over 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men talk to your doctor about the possibility of metabolic syndrome. A precursor to Type II Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and associated thyroid or hormone imbalance issues can make weight loss more difficult. Knowing what you’re up against will help you set realistic goals and prevent discouragement so you can stick with it. One last tip: Stay positive about your diet. Keep in mind what you can do, what you can achieve, and what you can eat. Although changing your lifestyle might be a difficult adjustment focusing on the difficulties and negatives will only make it harder to stay on track. Positive thinking can make all the difference.