Do You Think I’m Fat, Doctor?’ Using Empathy to Help Patients Lose Weight

Doctors can help you lose weight by:

Assessing your general health – To better understand your general health, your doctor will calculate your body mass index (BMI). Your doctor will also measure your waist, as excess weight in this area could indicate specific causes and underlying conditions.

Identifying the cause of weight gain – Your doctor will discuss your medical history to determine when you gained weight and what methods of weight loss have been tried in the past.

Managing health issues which contribute to weight gain – It is common for excess weight to be caused by underlying health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, Cushing syndrome and arthritis. Your doctor will recommend treatment to effectively manage any existing health conditions.

Creating a personalized weight loss plan – After gathering all medical history and findings, your doctor will be able to tailor a personalized weight loss programme to help you lose weight in a healthy and effective manner. This program will include access to support systems and resources to help you along the way.

Losing weight positively impacts our general health and well-being, both physically and mentally. Carrying excess weight can negatively affect our confidence and sense of self, which can result in uncomfortable or shameful feelings. In addition, being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and specific cancers, all of which significantly lower our quality of life.

We can take charge of our health and lower our risk of developing these conditions by altering our diets and lifestyles, which will also increase our energy and mobility.

Losing weight is a challenging journey, but with the right encouragement and direction, it will result in a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

There are numerous factors that impact weight loss, including:

Age – As people age, it is not uncommon to put on weight. Adults with a normal BMI frequently begin gaining weight in their early 20s and continue gaining until they are 60 to 65 years old. People who were obese during childhood are also less likely to return to a healthy BMI.

Family history – If one or both of your parents are obese or overweight, your chances of being overweight are higher. The amount of body fat you store and the locations of that extra fat is influenced by your genes.

Medical history – Your medical history, including your health conditions, the medications you take and how much stress you have, will significantly impact how fast you can lose weight.

Habits and lifestyle – Eating and exercise habits will have an impact on how you lose weight. Where you live will also play a role, as areas with high volumes of green spaces and grocery stores will give an advantage to weight loss. In contrast, being surrounded by unhealthy options and not having amenities to exercise may make the process more challenging. Furthermore, the habits and lifestyle of your family are highly influential on your weight loss journey.

By fostering a caring environment, medical weight loss doctors use empathy to inspire and support their patients. Empathy entails comprehending and validating another’s feelings and experiences to make them feel heard and understood.

Medical weight loss specialists learn about their patients’ obstacles and challenges in the process of helping them lose weight by taking the time to listen to them.

Once the doctor has gained an understanding of their patients’ needs and experiences, they can use empathy to motivate and encourage them. This involves providing positive reinforcement and celebrating successes, while also acknowledging the difficulty and frustration that can come with weight loss.

Medical weight loss specialists help patients overcome challenges and make long-lasting dietary and lifestyle changes by providing them with strategies and practical advice.

To achieve your desired weight, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 2401 South Kanawha Street, Ste 100, Beckley, WV 25801. We serve patients from Beckley WV, Bradley WV, Stanaford WV, Shady Spring WV, Sophia WV, Daniels WV, Mount Hope WV, Lester WV, Macarthur WV, Baylor WV, Beaver WV, and surrounding areas.