The Most Efficient Exercise and Weight Loss Program Takes It's Time

Many people struggle with weight gain these days and know they should go on an exercise and  weight loss program, but it can be difficult to know where to start.  There is so much information out there about losing weight, you may wonder who you can really trust to give you good counsel about the exercise and weight loss program that can work for you.  One of the best places to go for help if you find yourself wanting this sort of advice is your own family doctor.

Getting Advice from your Family Physician

Your doctor probably has some pretty strong opinions about what weight loss program works and what ones are simply downright dangerous for you to follow.  You may be surprised to know this, however.  A lot of the people who go to doctors asking questions about weight reduction really don't need to lose weight at all.  Your doctor can figure out your BMI, or body mass index, which is a better indicator of whether you need to lose weight than the number on the scale is.  The BMI lets you know what percentage of your body is muscle and what percentage is fat.

Your doctor also knows about prescription medicines that are available for losing weight, and if there are any natural herbs or supplements that have worked as a weight loss program for any of his patients.  If you are very overweight, your doctor can give you information about weight loss surgery and will know if you are a candidate for this procedure.

What Your Doctor Will Probably Say

Chances are, your doctor will advise you to follow the most sensible exercise and weight loss program of all.  That program is to make lifestyle changes that can help you eat healthier and exercise regularly for the rest of your life.  Regardless of your circumstances, lasting weight loss doesn't happen with a magic weight loss program.  It happens with discipline and determination. 

One of the best starting points when getting on a successful weight loss program is to identify just what bad habits you have that are causing you to stay overweight or even gain.  For instance, do you eat large portions and seconds at every meal?  Do you eat a lot of fatty sandwiches or sugar-laden pastries and goodies?  Are you inactive?  Maybe you do pretty good all day but find yourself noshing on potato chips in front of the television in the evening.  All of these habits can sabotage a weight loss program.  But remember, too, that any of these habits can also be broken!

Your doctor is also likely to remind you that the healthiest weight loss program is the one on which you lose about a pound or two per week and no more.  A possible exception is if you are extremely overweight.  Sometimes people who have a couple of hundred pounds to lose will drop the weight very fast when they follow a sensible weight loss program, at least in the beginning.  But slow and steady is generally best, especially if you hope to keep the weight off when it is gone.

Article submitted Monday, September 29, 2008
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