Why Your Primary Care Doctor Should Be Part of Your Weight Loss Plan

You know the rote advice to shedding pounds is eating healthy food and moving your body. It sounds simple, right? Yet given that almost three-quarters of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, it’s clearly easier said than done.

Fortunately, partnering with a primary care physician can increase the odds of successful weight loss and subsequent maintenance.

At The Healthy Woman, our skilled clinicians provide comprehensive, customized care in the comfort of our spa-like offices. Our main goal is to work with our patients and support them in their journey to look and feel their best. From helping with weight loss to dealing with chronic health conditions and more, we offer a wide range of services to manage all health concerns.

This month, we look into the health risks of being overweight or obese and the benefits of working with a primary care doctor to lose those stubborn extra pounds.

Potential health impacts of extra pounds

Carrying extra weight comes with a variety of health risks — including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also increase the odds of developing certain cancers and cause issues with the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas.

In addition, being overweight or obese can negatively impact your joints and contribute to osteoarthritis. Just a single pound of body weight puts 4-6 pounds of pressure on each knee.

Benefits of doctor-assisted weight loss

Losing weight and keeping it off is hard, but partnering with a physician can make it easier to stick to your weight loss plan and succeed.

Individualized care

A primary care doctor already knows a patient's medical history, health status, and lifestyle habits and can take all of this into consideration when creating a personalized weight loss plan. They can also order testing as needed to check the thyroid and other possible issues that could impact losing weight.

In addition, they can discuss other concerns and goals such as energy levels and mobility rather than simply focusing on a goal weight.

Tailored counseling

A doctor can educate patients about dietary changes and exercise, provide practical advice, and suggest gradual changes that are more likely to lead to long-term adherence.

Monitored progress

Setting up a customized weight loss treatment plan is a great way to start, but small tweaks may be necessary over time. Weight loss plateauing is one example.

By partnering with a doctor, regular check-ins provide the opportunity to track weight, evaluate lab results, and determine symptom improvements — and then be proactive with changes to the plan when needed.

Personalized prescribing

In some cases, your doctor may recommend vitamin supplements or prescription medication to help with weight loss along with a healthy diet and exercise. A doctor is knowledgeable about the options and can customize recommendations and prescriptions to a patient's situation.

Let us help you succeed

Many people who want to lose weight have tried in the past but not found success. The medical professionals at The Healthy Woman can help you set reasonable, attainable weight loss goals and then provide the support you need to reach them safely.

Call us at 770-809-1100 or request an appointment online today. With primary care practices in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, and Newnan, Georgia, and OB/GYN offices located in Snellville and Lawrenceville, Georgia, getting care has never been easier or more convenient.