A couple of the most common recommendations from doctors for weight loss are diet and exercise, but some physicians do suggest exploring other options, especially if you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to lose weight through more traditional methods. Before you choose a definitive plan to follow, speak with your doctor for personalized recommendations and advice.
Diet
Diet is one of the most popular weight loss methods that doctors recommend. For some people, the word "diet" has a negative connotation that involves eating less food or placing a complete ban on certain favorite foods. However, a diet is simply the same thing as an eating plan, and there are dozens of potential options that can encourage weight loss while still meeting your preferences. HelpGuide.org suggests a substitution method, which might call for replacing baked goods with fresh fruit and pancakes with oatmeal. For weight loss, the main goals of diet that doctors emphasize are proper nutrition and lower calorie counts. MyPyramid.gov recommends keeping calorie totals low by eating mainly whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and nonfat dairy.
Exercise
Regular exercise is highly recommended by physicians because it burns more calories than many people can save by modifying their diets alone. According to the Mayo Clinic, an hour of jogging burns nearly 600 calories for a 160-pound person. Doctors like exercise for other reasons, too: the Mayo Clinic states that in addition to aiding weight loss and healthy weight maintenance, regular physical activity can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, improve your sex life, help you sleep better and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis and high cholesterol.
Medication
Prescription medications are available that can help patients achieve and maintain weight loss. Medications may not work for everyone, however, and some have side effects that can range from mild to severe. In addition, medications don't bring about the same health improvements that productive habits such as balanced eating and exercise do, so many physicians are hesitant to recommend them to patients.
Surgery
Surgery is often a last-resort option for weight loss because it can come with serious risks and it has no guarantee of being effective. According to the Mayo Clinic, gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of weight loss surgery that physicians perform, but the results are unlikely to last if patients don't make a concerted effort to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle adjustments following the procedures. Because diet and exercise can result in more profound health benefits, doctors will almost always encourage patients to attempt those strategies before considering surgery.
References
- HelpGuide.org: Healthy Weight Loss and Dieting - How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
- MyPyramid.gov: Inside the Pyramid
- Mayo Clinic: Exercise for Weight Loss - Calories Burned in 1 Hour
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise - 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss - Diet Pills, Supplements and Surgery
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