I read many stories about doctors telling patients to lose weight. Do they generally recommend patient-specific weight loss plans, refer to nutritionists with relevant expertise, or just stop at the assertion that weight loss is recommended? I am sure it depends on each doctor, but I never read any stories about what the doctor is recommending in terms of weight loss plans. I am surprised, as doctors aren't just suppose to diagnose but also prescribe based on specific patient conditions.
Asked by
pmardie
I don’t know. On this blog I’ve heard of doctors recommending WW, and stomach surgery (including lapband). Sometimes they refer to dieticians/nutritionists. Sometimes they just give the ole “eat less move more” lecture. It seems to be a mix. Followers, what kind of weight loss advice have you been given by your doctor? Was it specific, and did it mention brands/methods in particular? Were you referred, or did they try to sell weight loss surgery (including lap-bands) to you?
-ATL
Generally I’ve gotten the “do more eat less” lecture like it’s some kind of profound secret they’re letting me in on. My old PCP recommended medifast, as she started supplying it directly to her patients. The surgeon who did my gallbladder removal suggested I strongly consider a lap-band or gastric bypass, as those were her primary procedures.
I had a doctor tell me once that there were so many calories in sugary drinks, and that people don’t even know how much they’re consuming sometimes. I was nodding along, not really knowing where he was going with it, and then it dawned on me: “Oh he means he thinks *I* drink a bunch of sugary stuff.” My main drinks at the moment were milk, coffee, and seltzer (the unsweet version).
Of course, I was lucky enough on another occasion to having seen the most amazing nurse practitioner with whom I had a long conversation about HAES-type stuff. She was awesome. Though the likes of her are rare.
-ATL