Why do doctors always tell you to lose weight?

Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Weight Loss? The health risks that come from being overweight or obese include high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. At the same time, you may find that being overweight seriously affects your emotional well-being, especially in our thin-obsessed culture.


Should doctors tell you to lose weight?

Patients who are told to lose weight might turn to dangerous methods like pills and restrictive diets, which can lead them to develop eating disorders. Experiencing weight-based discrimination might even lead patients to avoid doctor's appointments altogether.

What do doctors recommend for weight loss?

The Advice: 'Lose 1 to 2 Pounds a Week'

Well, think of it this way: One pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. To lose a pound, you need to shave off about 500 calories a day for 7 days. You can do that by cutting calories in your diet and burning calories through exercise.


Why do doctors ask about sudden weight loss?

Unexplained or unintentional weight loss may seem a welcome change for some people, but asking about the potential causes is important. Unintentional weight loss may be a sign of a medical condition, and these potentially serious causes can range from thyroid problems to cancer.

What medical conditions make it so you can't lose weight?

Here are five health conditions that can make it harder to lose weight.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related condition that affects millions of women. ...
  • Hypothyroidism. ...
  • Insulin Resistance. ...
  • Hormonal Changes. ...
  • Mental Health Conditions.


Doctor Fact-Checks POPULAR Weight Loss Tips



Why is my body holding on to weight?

If you're consuming too few calories your body essentially goes into starvation mode and receives the message that it needs to protect itself. This means holding onto weight for protection's sake. The body perceives reduced calorie intake as a stressor.

Where do you lose weight first?

Mostly, losing weight is an internal process. You will first lose hard fat that surrounds your organs like liver, kidneys and then you will start to lose soft fat like waistline and thigh fat. The fat loss from around the organs makes you leaner and stronger.

What are the first signs of weight loss?

10 signs you're losing weight
  • You're not hungry all the time. ...
  • Your sense of well-being improves. ...
  • Your clothes fit differently. ...
  • You're noticing some muscle definition. ...
  • Your body measurements are changing. ...
  • Your chronic pain improves. ...
  • You're going to the bathroom more — or less — frequently. ...
  • Your blood pressure is coming down.


What are signs of unhealthy weight loss?

You should consult your physician if you have lost more than 5 percent of body weight or 10 pounds without trying in a period of 6 to 12 months. This is especially important if you have other symptoms, too.

What is considered rapid weight gain?

Sudden weight gain -- 2-3 pounds in a day or more than 5 pounds a week -- could mean it's getting worse. You also might have swollen feet and ankles, a faster pulse, heavy breathing, high blood pressure, memory loss, and confusion. You might want to track these symptoms so you can tell your doctor about abrupt changes.

What is the number one prescription for weight loss?

1. Lomaira, Adipex (phentermine) Phentermine is the most commonly prescribed weight-loss medication used in this country. It helps suppress appetite and make you feel fuller for longer.


Why is it so hard to lose weight?

Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight? Your body is designed to hold onto as much fat as possible to store for times when food may be scarce. That makes losing weight difficult for most people. Factors at play include genetics, age, race and ethnicity, diet, physical activity, hormones, and social factors.

What is the most successful weight loss pill?

Phentermine-Topiramate extended release (Qsymia) is the most effective weight loss drug available to date. It combines an adrenergic agonist with a neurostabilizer. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75/23mg to 15mg/92mg. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight loss medication.

What do doctors think of fat patients?

Probing the roots and results of obesity bias in health care

Kyle says many such patients feel judged by their physicians. They believe their doctors see them as lazy, undisciplined—and totally responsible for their own weight gain. All other health issues become somehow tied to their extra weight.


At what point is weight loss a concern?

If you're losing weight without trying and you're concerned about it, consult your health care provider. As a rule of thumb, losing more than 5% of your weight over 6 to 12 months may indicate a problem.

Do doctors check your weight?

There are some circumstances where your doctor might want to know your weight, right then and there (more on that later). But you have every right to ask to skip the scale during an appointment, and your doctor's answer may surprise you.

Is weight loss a red flag?

Unexplained weight loss is often a red flag that something more serious is happening. Quick or rapid unexpected weight loss needs to be addressed by your doctor. Health conditions and disorders that may cause weight loss include depression, heart failure, and cancer.


What blood tests for unexplained weight loss?

Commonly performed tests include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count can reveal evidence of infections, anemia (which can be caused by many conditions that result in unintended weight loss), and more.
  • Thyroid panel.
  • Liver function tests.
  • Kidney function tests.
  • Blood sugar (glucose)
  • Urinalysis.


How does fat leave the body?

The triglycerides release fat as carbon dioxide and water atoms during fat metabolism or oxidation. In other words, fat leaves the body as carbon dioxide when you exhale. The fat which becomes water mixes into your circulation until it's lost as urine, tears, sweat and other bodily fluids.

Do you lose face fat first?

While everyone loses weight differently, dropping as little as 3 to 5 pounds can show up on your face first, Eboli says.


Does drinking water help you lose weight?

Water can be really helpful for weight loss. It is 100% calorie-free, helps you burn more calories and may even suppress your appetite if consumed before meals. The benefits are even greater when you replace sugary beverages with water. It is a very easy way to cut back on sugar and calories.

What are the stages of weight loss?

The 4 Phases of Weight Loss
  • Phase -1 – GLYCOGEN DEPLETION. Glycogen Depletion: ...
  • Phase -2 – FAT LOSS. This is the sweet spot for healthy weight loss. ...
  • Phase -3 – PLATEAU. ...
  • Phase -4 – METABOLIC RECOVERY. ...
  • All the Phases of Weight Management:


Where does fat go when you lose weight?

  1. When you lose weight, most of it is excreted through the exhalation of carbon dioxide. ...
  2. High levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream have been shown to increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. ...
  3. When fat leaves the body, 84% is exhaled as CO2 and the remaining 16% is excreted as water.


What takes belly fat away?

Trimming the fat

To battle belly fat: Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products. Limit added sugar and saturated fat, which is found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter.

Why am I gaining weight when I'm eating less and working out?

You've gained muscle.

And here's an often overlooked fact: Muscle tissue is more dense than fat tissue. So as you gain more muscle and lose fat, you change your overall body composition, which can result in a higher weight, but a smaller figure and better health.