Non Surgical Weight Loss Options From Your Primary Care Doctor

Those struggling to lose weight alone should talk to their primary care provider about nonsurgical weight loss options. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but it can be challenging. Many spend years and months trying to lose weight independently with little success. However, a primary care doctor can use their knowledge and experience to help their patients succeed. Continue reading to learn about nonsurgical weight loss options and other ways primary care providers can help patients.

Why talk to your primary care doctor about weight loss

Though a primary care doctor may not be an expert in weight loss, they know you. They will be aware of your current lifestyle and medical history. This knowledge gives them insight into you and what may be getting in the way of you maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, they have good knowledge of what makes for a healthy lifestyle. Therefore when it comes to nonsurgical weight loss, they can be an excellent place to start.

Nutrition and exercise counseling

Examining a patient's diet and exercise is typically the starting point for many primary care providers. First, they can tell a patient what weight they should be for their height and gender. Then, they will discuss their current nutrition and exercise habits with the patient to discover where they can improve. Finally, primary care providers use their knowledge of the patient and what makes a healthy lifestyle to suggest a diet and exercise plan that is likely to help a patient get to and maintain a healthy weight.

Treat underlying conditions

What do hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome have in common? They are all underlying conditions that can make it hard for a person to lose weight. A Primary care doctor can screen for these and other conditions that make weight loss hard. Then, the provider can address the underlying condition, helping support the patient's health and weight loss efforts. Sometimes, one of the patient's medications may contribute to weight gain. In this case, the doctor can look at modifying a patient's medication.

Medication

A primary care provider may consider weight loss medication if diet and exercise, and treating any underlying conditions fail to produce the desired results. However, in many cases, a patient's body mass index or BMI must be above a certain number. Several FDA-approved medications help reduce weight. In addition, many medications work by controlling the patient's appetite. However, it is important to remember that medication alone is not recommended and should be combined with exercise and a healthy diet.

Ask a primary care provider about your options

You can lose weight and keep it off to look and feel like your original and energetic self. Our primary care team can help if you are unsure where to start. Those seeking help losing weight and keeping it off are encouraged to call and make an appointment today.

Request an appointment here at https://primarycarefriscotx.com or call Delc Medical Center at (469) 287-4509 for an appointment in our Frisco office.

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