One of the most important things you need to do once you decide that you want to lose weight is see your doctor and have a talk with him. Your doctor can help you determine if you really do need to lose weight, and if yes, how much weight you need to lose and what weight loss plan is right for you. Your doctor can also help you figure out if you need to take any weight loss supplements, which one you should take, and when you need to see him again to monitor your weight loss progress.
When you see your doctor, make sure you bring a list of medications you’re currently on. This includes any OTC supplements, Ayurvedic products, herbal, products, and anything else you’re taking for health purposes. List all of your medications because some medications do contribute to weight gain. If you’ve noticed that you’ve been gaining weight around the same time you started on a new medication, this is something your doctor needs to know.
Also bring with you a summary of your medical history. Your doctor needs to know if you’ve undergone any surgery or if you have health conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, heart problem, and hypertension, to name some. Your doctor may want to give you a thyroid test to determine if your thyroid is healthy. If you have been feeling more tired than normal lately, it may be a sign of an unhealthy thyroid.
Be aware of any change that occurs in your life at the same time that you started gaining weight. Your weight gain may also be caused by emotional factors. Examine your lifestyle. What drastic changes have taken place in your lifestyle recently? Perhaps you recently moved to a new city, got a new job, got married, had a new baby, or got divorced. These are all life changes that have great emotional impact and can contribute to your health.
You’ll hear a lot of people say that weight gain happens because you’re taking in more calories than what your body is burning. However, there are medical factors that can trigger weight gain.
It’s also useful to bring a list of questions you want to ask your doctor when you see him. Try asking your doctor the following;
(1) What’s my ideal weight considering my height and bone structure?
(2) Must I really lose weight or simply build more muscle mass?
(3) Could my weight gain be caused by my health problems?
(4) What issues might I face because of my weight gain?
(5) What weight loss medications are available to me?
(6) Is weight loss surgery something I should seriously consider?
You can also take a food journal with you to your doctor. Two weeks before you see your doctor, start recording everything you eat. Note the times you eat and if you were truly hungry or if you were simply giving in to your craving. Was eating an emotional response for you? Be brutally honest in your food journal. It can only help you figure out what the real issues are regarding your weight gain.
Also note if you have certain comfort foods. How often do you eat out? When you do eat out, what kinds of foods do you usually order? Does seeing commercials of foods make you hungry and crave food? Know the things the trigger your hunger or your craving for food.
Do you already have a specific weight loss diet plan you want to try? Research on it and bring your findings to your doctor. Your doctor can help you figure out if it is the right weight loss program for you to be on.
Lastly, it’s important that you work with your doctor. Listen to his suggestions and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Good luck!
