Is your doctor your best resource

[Gina]

I'm wondering is a general practitioner doctor the best person for helping you figure out a weight loss strategy, or is it some other type of professional?

[brightstar]

It all depends on your doctors specialty. A regular general practitioner (non-specialist doctor) may be able to provide you with some basic sensible advice, but if you are obese and really need to lose weight, you may be referred to a specialist. If you just want to lose a bit of weight, getting advice from your regular doctor and pharmacist would likely be enough to get you on the right track. However, if you really need to lose a lot of weight for health reasons you should consult with your doctor about seeing a specialist. You may also want to talk to a registered dietitian who has experience with helping people to lose weight healthfully and also a fitness trainer who can help you select the best exercises for your body, health, stamina and goals.

[char]

Your doctor is a great place to start. That said, as brightstar pointed out, they may not be the most qualified to provide you with he best weight loss advice. There's never anything wrong with getting a second or even a third opinion. After all, it's your body and your life. However, just make sure when you are seeking opinions, they are coming from experienced, qualified and well-respected professionals. Avoid seeking advice from celebrities and people who just claim that they are nutritionists or detains.

[tara]

I'm wondering is a general practitioner doctor the best person for helping you figure out a weight loss strategy, or is it some other type of professional?

That's actually a really good question. A lot of recommendations are to "talk to your doctor" but what if your doctor isn't the best person to talk to because they don't specialize in weight loss and dieting? I guess they can recommend a specialist?

[tammybear]

I think your doctor is your best resource. Even if they can't help you, your doctor can direct you to someone who can. It's important to be as honest as possible about your worries, your health and what you hope to achieve. Remember that your doctor can't help you if you don't help yourself.

[Gina]

I think your doctor is your best resource. Even if they can't help you, your doctor can direct you to someone who can. It's important to be as honest as possible about your worries, your health and what you hope to achieve. Remember that your doctor can't help you if you don't help yourself.

Thanks! That answers my question. Whether they can directly help me or not, they still remain the best resource for helping me to find the type of support that I need. :) I never thought about looking at it that way!

[kellykatt]

Thanks! That answers my question. Whether they can directly help me or not, they still remain the best resource for helping me to find the type of support that I need. :) I never thought about looking at it that way!

I sometimes forget that, too. It's not that your doctor necessarily knows all the answers, but they may know other people who do and can refer you to them. :D

[bigbobby]

I agree that your doctor is your best resource, but in COVID times it can be difficult to see your doctor. Especially, since, you really shouldn't go anywhere unnecessary. Plus, my doctor isn't even seeing patients right now!

[legendarytroy]

I agree that your doctor is your best resource, but in COVID times it can be difficult to see your doctor. Especially, since, you really shouldn't go anywhere unnecessary. Plus, my doctor isn't even seeing patients right now!

True, but you could always call them and ask for their advice, can't you? I know a lot of doctors are taking appointments by phone and some are even doing zoom or skype meetings.

[Kyra]

True, but you could always call them and ask for their advice, can't you? I know a lot of doctors are taking appointments by phone and some are even doing zoom or skype meetings.

You can call them, but if they're anything like mine, you don't get an answer right away. You still have to make an appointment and that could take weeks, especially if they don't think your problem is urgent. This is all such a mess. I can't wait until things go back to somewhat like they were before.

[Moonnight]

There are surgical and non-surgical methods of losing weight. And you need a doctor who will tell you about all this.