Weight loss: when it helps to see a doctor

Over half of the UK population is overweight, and by some estimates, two thirds of us are on a diet “most of the time”. Yet for something which is so important to our health and wellbeing, quality information and support for weight loss can be hard to find. The vast majority of us have only tried fad diets or advice found in a weekly magazine, without much success. So when does it make sense to visit a doctor for advice, and what can you expect from your appointment? We asked leading consultant in diabetes & endocrinology Dr Rasha Mukhtar:

What can I expect when I see the doctor about weight loss?

You will be seen for a detailed medical and lifestyle history to explore possible causes which may have contributed to weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.

Weight gain can be due to a number of factors, but the main factor is an imbalance between caloric intake and output due to the type of nutrition taken by an individual. Making changes in diet and lifestyle usually leads to healthy outcomes and an initial loss motivates for more healthier changes.

Unfortunately there are some individuals who may not respond due to other medical factors. This is why we always undertake investigations to rule out these possible secondary causes for weight gain. Some of the most common causes include:

• stress
• lack of sleep
• taking medication such as antidepressants or steroids
• an underactive thyroid
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Will I be set a target?

Once other causes of weight gain have been ruled out, you will be provided with dietary advice and an eating plan to help facilitate weight loss. Our aim is to set realistic targets for weight loss as well as an exercise plan you can follow.

How many sessions are there?

This depends on how many sessions you will require.

Normally, we would expect to have at least five sessions. However, if you are comfortable with the diet plan and happy to proceed with the modifications made then you may not need as many as this.

How fast will I lose weight?

At the clinic the aim is to achieve sustainable weight loss rather than rapid weight loss. Rapid large amounts of weight loss is usually related to fluid loss and will be as quickly reversed if you return back to previous habits. It is much more preferable to lose weight gradually and maintain this through lifestyle changes.

In certain circumstances there are medications that may help facilitate weight loss – but these are not without side effects, and not everyone responds to them in the same way. So lifestyle changes remain the best method for long-term sustainable weight loss.