Why You Should Ask Your Doctor for Help with Weight Loss

It’s important to discuss a topic that many people would prefer not to think about, especially in the morning when first walking by the mirror or the scale in the bathroom. Yes, the topic that needs to be discussed is weight loss. Weight is a sensitive topic for the vast number of people. It’s rare that a person maintains their fast metabolism and thin frame all throughout his or her life. That person is very lucky indeed. However, the United States is currently facing an obesity crisis. With over a quarter of the population being classified as obese, there is a significant chance you could be facing weight issues of your own.

When discussing weight, people often talk about it from an aesthetic standpoint. There is sometimes a sense of embarrassment or a desire to wear the clothes you really wish you could wear. These are perfectly valid feelings and you should share them with your doctor. But, because we are discussing health, it’s important to stress that weight goes far beyond your looks. Your weight has a significant impact on your health. Losing that weight can make the difference between living a long and healthy life or struggling with avoidable health problems for years.

Why being overweight is so dangerous

Being overweight carries many risks that can jeopardize your life. Many of the worst chronic conditions list weight as a risk factor. While being overweight increases these risks, being obese magnifies it even more. The prime issue is the many cardiovascular diseases you can develop due to the extra strain placed on your heart and blood vessels. Risks of heart attack and stroke increase exponentially if you are overweight. Another chronic illness that has become almost synonymous with obesity over the last couple of decades is type 2 diabetes. Long thought of as somewhat rare condition that only developed in the elderly, more people than ever have type 2 diabetes and the explosion in diagnoses correlates with the obesity epidemic.

Add in the higher chances of developing certain types of cancers along with an increase in chronic pain conditions and you begin to see why not losing weight can really affect your quality of life.

The importance of diet and exercise

Eating a healthy, balanced diet, and staying active are so important to your health. You can argue they are the most important thing you can do for yourself. Not only are they beneficial for your weight, but they counteract nearly all of the conditions you could be at risk of developing. A healthy diet and regular exercise have all demonstrated lower incidences of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and a host of other chronic conditions.

Why you want to talk to you doctor about your weight

You may consider your desire to lose weight to be a pretty straightforward affair that will succeed with the right level of dedication to diet and exercise. While that is certainly a major part of it, that may not be the whole story. You certainly want to tell your doctor about your weight concerns because not only can you receive some good guidance, but you can receive testing that can tell you if your weight issues are tied to another condition. Some people experience difficulty with their weight due to issues with their endocrine system. Often, this can be the thyroid. While endocrine issues might sound like something scary, these issues can generally be treated by simply taking a medication prescribed by your doctor. By treating your underlying condition, your weight issues will be much easier to deal with.

A positive mindset

Above all, a positive mindset will take you far. Many people mistakenly believe they have to starve themselves in order to get the weight loss results that they’re after. This is far from the truth. You can lose weight and feel full by making sure you control your portions and eat only healthy foods that sustain you for longer. With the right diet, you’ll feel better and feel satisfied.

Conclusion

Weight issues are one of the most common struggles that people face for both aesthetic reasons and, more importantly, for health reasons. Being overweight is not safe and it drastically increases the risks for chronic illnesses and sudden, serious medical events. Many people have difficulty losing weight. While diet and exercise can be hard on their own, you could also be suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition that is causing you to gain weight or not lose it. You need to speak with a medical professional that can provide you with the testing and guidance needed to help you lose weight. Book an appointment online with us today. The team at Pure Medicine is dedicated to providing you with the care you need so you can shed those extra pounds and live a healthier life.

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