Experts agree that it is important to see a health professional before embarking on a weight loss program. Most people don't see the need for this and instead follow poorly conceived regimens that sometimes fail to work or, worse yet, have negative impacts on their health.
While unguided at-home weight loss programs sometimes eventually do work, seeking the guidance of a healthcare professional may help improve the efficiency of your program and ensure you're going about it the healthy way. Here are four reasons why you need a professional to oversee your weight loss:
1. You have a separate medical condition
Some medical conditions may be affected negatively by the exercise and dietary changes you're introducing your body to. Your physician will help design a weight loss regime that doesn't interfere with other aspects of your health.
2. Your current program isn't showing results
If you have been trying to lose weight for a significant period of time but haven't seen results, there could be a medical condition behind it that only a professional can trace. Hormonal imbalances, depression and thyroid conditions are a few factors that can sabotage your weight loss attempts.
3. You're under medication
Some prescription medications may derail your effort at losing weight. Paxil, for instance, is an anti-depression drug that has been associated with weight gain. Prednisone, a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, has also been shown to cause weight gain. Your doctor can suggest alternative medications or tailor a program that marries with your prescriptions.
4. You want to lose weight by medication or surgery
With the advancement in health care technology, surgery and medication have become among the fastest and surest ways of losing weight. Administration of appetite suppressants and surgical removal of extra fats under the skin can only be done by qualified health professionals.
Questions to ask your weight management assistant
- What should my goal weight be?
- Roughly, how long will it take for me to see results?
- Will losing weight affect my health?
- Could my weight be connected to a medical condition?
- How will the weight loss program affect my lifestyle?
- Does any of my medications aggravate weight gain?
- Are weight loss medications recommendable for me?
Components of a typical weight loss program
- Dietary change – Your weight management professional may recommend a strict diet plan to be followed over a specific period of time. Recipes offering 800 or less calories a day may be prescribed for people with too much excess weight.
- Physical activity – Exercise is a basic in any weight loss program. Your doctor will help design a physical activity plan for you, probably after taking a look at your daily activity schedule.
- Counseling – Most weight management programs organize one-on-one and group counseling sessions to help their clients understand and stick to healthy habits.
- Weight maintenance – A good program helps you not only lose weight but also keep off the weigh you have lost. Consider a weight management program with a workable maintenance plan in it.
Dr. David Zarian offers weight loss management in Encino for individuals who want to lose weight healthily under the supervision of a trained and qualified weight loss coach. Call (818)-986-7399 today to discuss our services.