Choosing A Weight Loss Program
John Caylor
November 11, 2007
When you’re choosing a weight loss program, it is important that you talk to your physician about just how much weight is safe for you to lose, and how much exercise your body can handle. Choosing the right weight loss program for your body can be hard if you don’t know where to start. Our team of experts has put together a list of questions for you to ask your doctor (and yourself) so that you can decide which weight loss program is right for you.
1. Ask your doctor if you actually need to lose weight through a weight loss program, or if your current weight should simply be maintained. Many people do not realize that they may have an eating disorder. Those with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, often see themselves as overweight when in reality they are at a normal weight, or even under weight. Asking your doctor if he or she feels that you need to begin a weight loss program, may give you a new perspective on your appearance.
2. Ask your doctor if your weight loss program will address a medical condition that may be causing you to be overweight, or if your weight loss will simply be controlled through a strict program of diet and exercise. Also, if you have not talked to your doctor about your weight in the past, when you ask about a weight loss program be sure to tell your doctor all of the medications you are taking. Certain medications can cause obesity if not taken properly.
3. Will your weight loss program include a reduced calorie plan, or will your doctor require that you avoid certain foods altogether. A healthy weight loss program should never require you to live on one certain type of food alone. You need a proper combination of each of the food groups in order to maintain a healthy weight loss program.
4. Ask your doctor if your weight loss program will include carefully monitored exercise. If you have lived a sedentary lifestyle, or are severely overweight, you will need to consult your physician about much exercise is safe for you to handle. Too much exercise could put your heart at risk. Your doctor should be made aware of what level of activity you are used to, so that he or she can decide where your weight loss program should start.
Whichever weight loss program your doctor recommends, be sure that you follow it exactly. If you feel that your doctor has prescribed an unhealthy weight loss program, don’t ever hesitate to get a second opinion.
1. Ask your doctor if you actually need to lose weight through a weight loss program, or if your current weight should simply be maintained. Many people do not realize that they may have an eating disorder. Those with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, often see themselves as overweight when in reality they are at a normal weight, or even under weight. Asking your doctor if he or she feels that you need to begin a weight loss program, may give you a new perspective on your appearance.
2. Ask your doctor if your weight loss program will address a medical condition that may be causing you to be overweight, or if your weight loss will simply be controlled through a strict program of diet and exercise. Also, if you have not talked to your doctor about your weight in the past, when you ask about a weight loss program be sure to tell your doctor all of the medications you are taking. Certain medications can cause obesity if not taken properly.
3. Will your weight loss program include a reduced calorie plan, or will your doctor require that you avoid certain foods altogether. A healthy weight loss program should never require you to live on one certain type of food alone. You need a proper combination of each of the food groups in order to maintain a healthy weight loss program.
4. Ask your doctor if your weight loss program will include carefully monitored exercise. If you have lived a sedentary lifestyle, or are severely overweight, you will need to consult your physician about much exercise is safe for you to handle. Too much exercise could put your heart at risk. Your doctor should be made aware of what level of activity you are used to, so that he or she can decide where your weight loss program should start.
Whichever weight loss program your doctor recommends, be sure that you follow it exactly. If you feel that your doctor has prescribed an unhealthy weight loss program, don’t ever hesitate to get a second opinion.