10 Questions to Ask at Your Next Weight Loss Appointment
Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s worth the effort. The reward is a healthier body, a potentially longer life, and much more energy to do the things you love.
With the proper support and knowledge, you can reach those goals sooner than you might imagine. Dr. Nirav Naik at New Life Medical is one of Bakersfield, California’s most experienced weight loss specialists, and he offers comprehensive medical weight loss to help you shed pounds safely and for good.
Whether this is your first time seeking medical weight loss support or you’ve been down this road before, you’re bound to have questions. Here are some insightful topics to touch on at your next weight loss appointment and some brief answers to shed light on these essential issues.
1. How does my weight affect my health?
Understanding the impact your weight has on your health can provide a motivating big-picture perspective. Your weight intertwines with various aspects of well-being, from cardiovascular health to bone density. Once you know how a few extra pounds can stress your heart or spike your blood pressure, you have more reasons to stay the course.
2. Could I have a health problem hindering weight loss?
Often, weight gain isn’t solely a lifestyle issue — underlying health conditions can be influencers, too. For example, thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances can affect your weight. Identifying these early is important to tailor your weight loss strategy accordingly.
3. Will losing weight really make a difference in my health?
Shedding excess weight alleviates stress on your joints, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances mental health. Talk with Dr. Naik about how these changes apply to you personally.
4. How do I determine what’s a healthy weight for me?
Set a target based on medical advice, not the fluctuating standards of societal norms. Figuring out what weight to shoot for is highly individualized. Dr. Naik helps you by considering age, gender, height, genetics, and medical history.
5. How much weight do I need to lose?
This question goes hand in hand with the previous one, and the answer is similar: Weight loss isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Understanding your unique needs, metabolism, and health issues helps you set practical expectations.
Dr. Naik advises you on a healthy pace and the amount of weight loss he recommends for you.
6. How long will it take me to lose weight?
Many factors influence the rate at which your body gains and loses weight, but regardless of your metabolism, patience is key. Gradual weight loss often has better long-term results, so take your time and allow your body to adjust to new habits sustainably.
7. How can I lose weight healthily and not gain it back?
Lifestyle modification is at the heart of sustained weight loss. Embrace strategies that promote gradual change — crash diets are not your friend.
8. I love eating. How can I change my bad habits?
There’s no getting around it — good nutrition is paramount in the weight loss equation. If your diet centers on junk food and highly processed products, you’re going to struggle with weight loss.
Seek Dr. Naik’s advice on developing a balanced diet plan and understanding portion control, mindful eating, and a balanced intake of macronutrients.
9. Do I have to exercise to lose weight?
Movement is medicine and one of the pillars of weight loss. That doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or become a bodybuilder, but it does mean you have to move more.
We can help you find what works for your body and recommend activities suited to your current fitness level and any limitations you may have. Some exercises might be off-limits, depending on your health.
10. Why should I consider medical weight loss?
Our structured, medically supervised weight loss program offers a comprehensive approach that includes personalized counseling, nutritional education, physical activity plans, and Dr. Naik’s professional assessment of your health. This isn’t a diet; it’s a full-service, you-centered treatment.
If Dr. Naik deems you a good candidate, he may recommend weight loss surgery, such as gastric band, gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy.
Get answers to your weight loss questions
We hope this list gives you some good ideas about what to ask at your next weight loss appointment. If you have other questions, write them down and call New Life Medical to schedule an appointment with Dr. Naik.