Can't Lose Weight? 3 Ways Your Doctor Can Help

If you are overweight and feel like you just cannot lose weight no matter how hard you try, then it may be time to ask your doctor for help. Many people are afraid to ask their doctors what else they can do to lose weight aside from counting calories and exercising, but remember that obesity is now classified as a disease in the United States, and doctors can be a great help at helping you conquer this disease just as they help treat patients for others. Here are three ways your doctor can help you shed extra pounds if you just ask for their help. 

1. They Can Perform Tests to See if There is a Medical Cause of Your Weight Gain

While having an under-active thyroid is one of the most notorious causes of weight gain, this is not the only medical problem that can lead to a person piling on the pounds. Many women today suffer from undiagnosed Polycystic Ovary syndrome, or PCOS, and this syndrome and the imbalance of hormones that come along with it can make it very difficult to lose weight. 

Many physicians prescribe metformin, which is typically used to manage diabetes, to patients with PCOS to help them lose weight more easily.

2. They Can See if Any Medications You Take Are Causing Your Weight Gain

There are many medications that cause weight gain, and your doctor may think you don't mind the few extra pounds if you don't speak up. Many treatments for depression can cause pounds to pack on, and SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors, are among the most notorious for causing weight gain. 

The great thing is that you don't have to stop treating your depression to lose weight, as your doctor can switch you from your current anti-depressant to one that is less likely to cause extra weight to pile on. 

3. They Can Prescribe Weight-loss Medications

Once underlying medical causes of weight gain have been ruled out, your doctor can prescribe medication to increase your body's resting metabolism, dull your appetite, and even give you extra energy to work out longer. One great medication that does all three of these things is phentermine. This medication is more commonly known as Adipex, which is a popular brand of it. 

Adipex is classified as a stimulant, so your doctor will likely advise you to take it first thing every morning to ensure that it doesn't interfere with your sleep. If you work out in the evening, it can be a great idea to move those workouts to the morning to take advantage of the extra energy it provides you. Even if you can't squeeze exercise into your busy day, Adipex increases your metabolism all day long and dulls your appetite, so you will naturally eat less while burning more calories. 

For more information, contact Riverfront Diet Clinic DBA Doctors Diet Program or a similar organization.