This post was written by Sizhu (Melody) Prosniak, NP, Internal Medicine.
Weight loss can be a key part of your health journey. Beyond physical appearance, losing weight can improve blood pressure, sleep, energy, stamina, and mental and emotional well-being. If you are overweight or obese and have been struggling with losing weight, you don't have to do it on your own. Here are 6 reasons to talk with your primary care provider about your weight-loss goals.
Reason number 1: You have tried diet and exercise and are frustrated with the lack of progress.
Your doctor can work with you to create a plan specific to your overall health needs. This can include setting a target weight, following a balanced diet, connecting with a dietitian for guidance, starting an exercise regimen or initiating medication if appropriate.
Reason number 2: You would like to find out whether there is a medical reason why you're not losing weight.
Sometimes a lack of change on the scale may be due to an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, slow metabolism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more. Your doctor can order comprehensive testing at your appointment to rule out a medical condition that is leading to your weight gain.
Reason number 3: You have a chronic medical condition.
Obesity is linked to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and sleep apnea. Losing weight can help improve these conditions. For example, as you lose weight, your diabetes will generally improve. Many patients who can manage their condition with lifestyle changes have even been able to stop taking some medications, leading to fewer side effects and lower costs.
Reason number 4: You find it harder to move, be physical or you are having chronic pain.
Being overweight puts added strain on your body. Many overweight patients report feeling chronic fatigue, having poor stamina or experiencing back and joint pain due to excess weight. Reaching a healthy weight can improve energy, flexibility and reduce pain.
Reason number 5: You're interested in starting a medication for weight loss.
Many pharmaceutical options are now available to support weight loss alongside healthy lifestyle habits. However, they are not one-size-fits-all, and what works for others may not work for you. GLP-1 medications are the latest class of obesity medications that have shown great efficacy. They come in weekly injectable medications, with some drug manufacturers also offering an oral tablet option. The downside of these medications includes gastrointestinal side effects, high cost, and some patients may not want to inject themselves weekly. Speak with your doctor to determine whether you are a candidate for GLP-1 medications or if other options better suit your needs.
Reason number 6: You have a mental health condition or eating disorder.
If you find yourself stress eating, overeating, binge eating, feeling down or hopeless regarding your weight, it is important to talk to your doctor. We often overlook the mental and emotional parts of weight loss. Your doctor can offer help to address this, such as referring you to talk therapy, starting medication for your mood or referring you to an eating disorder specialist. Weight loss cannot truly begin until the underlying mental health issue is addressed.
Find care
In conclusion, there are many reasons to talk to your doctor about weight loss. The good news is that there are also numerous resources available to help set off on your journey. It only takes a conversation with your doctor to get started.
If you need help scheduling an appointment or establishing care with a provider, our Access Center can help. Call anytime at 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632 for assistance.
