Medical Check – Why You Should See Your Doctor

Please see a medical professional before attempting weight loss. They can assess you for potential biological contributers to a weight problem, help you determine a healthy amount of weight to lose, and clear you for changes to your diet & exercise routines.

Medical problems that contribute to weight gain:

Hypothyroidism

• This is when your body produces too little of the thyroid hormone, which controls your metabolism.
  Early symptoms include: cold sensitivity, depression, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, heavy menstration, consipation
• Doctors will usually run a blood test of hormone levels

Cushing’s Syndrome

• This is when the adrenal glands release too much cortisol.
• Typically this results in excess fat in the face, abdomen, and upper back

Depression

• A common symptom of depression in many is overeating.
• Your doctor can give you a depression screen & refer you to therapist or a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who specializes. Many family doctors will also prescribe antidepressants, but I recommend you see a psychologist or psychiatrist. The gold standard psychological treatment for depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Medication Side Effects

• Many medications are known to contribute to weight gain. Your doctor can review your prescriptions and discuss alternatives with you.

Additional medical problems can contribute to weight gain, often by affecting energy levels.

This article is part of preparation for the Habitspark Diet Foundations free 12-week program.