Obesity: When To Seek Medical Attention
An individual who is overweight has a lot to carry around besides the extra pounds.
The burdens of obesity intrude into every facet of life... personal, social, medical, economic, psychological, name it, being overweight is part of it.
Sometimes, it even seems, there is nothing else to life. This perception can lead to hopelessness and depression.
Further, the longer obesity persists, the greater the likelihood of developing physical complications...heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, congestive heart on and on the list goes.
So what can you do, and when should you do it?
Let's talk about "when" first. You should recognize that you need outside help in weight management when you are consistently gaining weight, year after year.
If your BMI is over (or even approaching) 25, you are about to be officially classified as overweight. The next stop on the highway is obesity (BMI 30), and after that is morbid obesity (BMI 40).
If you have truly tried to lose weight (or at least stop gaining) and have been unsuccessful, you need help. Where do you go? The first stop you make should be the office of your doctor.
There are two reasons for this:
1. Your physician can determine whether there may be an underlying medical cause for your weight problem. (Please know that physical disorders are seldom the root cause of chronic weight issues). If hormonal, or other, disturbances are uncovered, you will begin treatment.
2. The doctor can determine whether your health has begun to show signs of deterioration from the excessive weight that you are carrying. He will check your heart and lungs, your blood pressure, your circulation, and he will perform laboratory tests to ensure that you do not have needs which must be addressed before you can begin a weight loss program.
The physician may refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist who will assist you in formulating a "plan of attack". Perhaps in addition to consuming too many calories, you are eating the wrong kinds of foods.
In looking at your usual food intake, this professional may also see glaring mistakes in your eating habits which, if eliminated, may set you immediately on your way to weight loss.
The physician may recommend a specific exercise plan (usually outside of the home for support). Exercise will be important during your weight loss so as to maintain muscle tone and accelerate the burning of calories.
One final word of caution... please, do not be embarrassed to seek help. Some estimates indicate that two-thirds of us are overweight. You are not in the minority of people with the problem... determine, however, to be in the minority when it comes to seeking help. You've borne this heartache long enough.
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