Weight Loss Advocacy Sheet

Many adults battle with weight in some form or another. Very few ever need to worry about their weight. As depicted in the media, most adults more accurately have a weight problem, with record reports of obesity, causing a plethora of health concerns.

Nearly all weight-loss programs (nutrition or fitness-related) direct you to first discuss your plans with your doctor. This is important to make sure that whatever you decide to do doesn’t come as a further detriment to your health. If you feel uncomfortable talking with your doctor about your weight, remember that they are there to help with every aspect of your health; they are not judging. They foremost want you to be healthy.

There are many benefits to losing weight: it can increase your energy, improve your self-image, and improve your health. It may even help resolve some past health problems, within reason, or at least make dealing with health problems somewhat easier.

Talk with your doctor to learn positive ways to lose weight. Some things you may talk about with your doctor might include:

• Do I need to lose weight, or just maintain my current weight? The answer will depend heavily on your age, height, and weight, in addition to your overall health.
• Is my weight affected by a health problem? A health problem such as hypothyroidism can cause your weight to increase. Other conditions such as depression can cause you to gain weight.
• What is the best way to lose weight? Working with your doctor, and possibly a fitness and/or nutrition specialist, can help you achieve success and ensure you select a program that will work. Remember: The best weight loss plan may start fast, but will move along slow and steady for the longer duration. This is a good way to lose weight and help make it easier to keep the weight off. Quick fix diets and workout regimens can become tiresome, and you may find the weight creep on again. Keeping realistic about goals (ex., a goal of 5 to 10 percent change of your total weight to start) often can make a difference.
• How do I know if I’m ready to lose weight? What are your reasons for losing weight? Are you ready to change your lifestyle, or at least take steps to make sure you are successful in your goals? Have you told family and friends of your plan to lose weight, and build a healthier lifestyle? You may even want to enlist a friend or family to make the journey with you.

Resources:
http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm - Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/NU00266 - Weight Loss Tip: First, Make Sure You’re Ready

Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.