All doctors want what is best for their patients. But unfortunately when it comes to dieting and weight loss most doctors are out of the loop and dispense advice with a minimal knowledge base. Now don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are doctors that are weight loss gurus, but most of them don’t have the time to also study weight loss.
That is why when your doctor gives you weight loss advice, you should make sure that advice is good. In fact, whatever piece of weight loss advice you get, you should double check it and make sure it is good. Just because the person telling you is a doctor it doesn’t mean that he is right all the time.
If you have your eye set on a diet and your doctor strongly advises against it, make the following agreement with your doctor. Tell him that you will come at least once a month for a checkup so he can make sure your dieting isn’t affecting your body negatively. In fact you should do this even if your doctor absolutely loves the diet you have chosen. Be cautious.
Ideally when you start dieting you should go to your doctor and get a full set of tests to asses your current health. Then tell your doctor your diet plan. That way your doctor can chip in his opinion and point out possible flaws in your weight loss plan. Take a note of all of them and do your own research to find out if they are valid or not in your case. If it turns out your doctor was right, change your weight loss plan accordingly.
After that, check in with your doctor once a month if you can, and at least once every 3 times if you can’t do it once a month. Each time run a full set of tests so your doctor can evaluate your health, and tell you how your weight loss efforts are impacting your health level. If you have managed to lose weight in a healthy way I am sure your doctor will be pleased with you new found fitness.
October 6, 2010
Health & Motivation