Why is it so hard for people to grasp there is no magical solution?

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  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
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    Merkavar wrote: »

    Like they wanted me to say I lost 4 kg a week by eating zucchini dipped in glitter with every meal and how that counteracts anything else you eat.

    I wanna know how that feels on the tail end of things :laugh:
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
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    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.

    OP has had over 100lbs to lose while on MFP. To lose 60ish lbs in 6 months isn't that unreasonable, although the rate isn't going to be sustainable throughout the entirety of her journey. For now it seems to be sustainable enough.
  • deaniac83
    deaniac83 Posts: 166 Member
    edited February 2015
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    ana3067 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.
    I get that that's the reaction here, but I don't think that's what the MD was doing. She wasn't trying to figure out OP's "magic" to weight loss. She may have simply been concerned that OP may have been missing out on key nutrients. Certain health conditions may necessitate a different distribution of the macros than the recommendations for an average person, for example. Because the doc was privy to OP's medical history - from the limited discussion here she seems like a specialist OP sees for a specific condition - she knows things we probably don't - and shouldn't, because this is no place to release one's medical records. She may well have been trying to figure out if OP was cutting out something that would help their treatment or adding something that would harm the treatment or condition.

  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,725 Member
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    Eating less, moving more. This is a fairly typical response, conveniently leaving out the MyFitnessPal app/website tracking and support system that makes it extremely easy for many of us to apply a calorie deficit on a long term basis. Try that complete answer and see if the reaction isn't a bit better understanding, faster. In my case it usually becomes pretty clear to the listeners why this could still be challenging for some: many were not interested in looking at a food label prior to eating. Some were concerned about tracking ethnic food that wouldn't be listed in any database. Others yet didn't want to be faced with the smaller portions they'd have to decide to eat once they learned that the carb portion of their daily lunch was half their day's calorie allotment...
  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,454 Member
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    I think it's because so many people need or use a method for "eating less". Whether it's calorie counting, low-carb, low-fat, cutting out bread, etc., etc. most people seem to find it easier to have something more specific than "eating less". (I've tried eating less and moving more, and without some sort of plan, it doesn't affect my weight).

    We know it's not magic, but it's interesting to know what specifically works for individuals. Eating less could mean cutting portions at mealtimes, or not drinking calories, or any number of things. 60lbs in 6 months is quite fast weight loss too (depending on the person) - I can see why a doctor might be interested in exactly how a patient lost that much so quickly. It's more than a 2lb loss a week, so technically, MFP wouldn't work for it.

    I can see why it would be irritating to be questioned about weight when that's not what you're seeing the doctor for, though!
  • cincysweetheart
    cincysweetheart Posts: 892 Member
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    In answer to the question posed in the title: Because they don't want to believe it. If they can believe that there is a magic solution then they can pretend it's not their own fault they got that way in the first place and they can pretend that it's not their own fault they are staying that way. Believing in CICO requires taking responsibility for yourself.

    Why those in the medical field have such a hard time with it? Well, my completely jaded, cynical, and entirely personal opinion (no basis in fact… entirely my own opinion) is that scientifically, they have to know that it works, but if they were to share it with us… or even acknowledge that our efforts are right on the money, they would lose business. So many people go to their doctors not because of an illness, but because they want to lose weight. Lots of money to be made in the weight loss business.
  • lthames0810
    lthames0810 Posts: 722 Member
    edited February 2015
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    I have had a doctor question me closely about rapid weight loss (years ago) simply because of what it could have indicated medically. I had been trying unsuccessfully to lose weight for a long time but then, between one visit and the next, I had begun to actually lose a significant amount. She wondered whether is was me finally finding the right way to go about it, or whether it was some illness that was the true cause.

    Edited to add: I did end up with gallstones so maybe she was right to be concerned.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited February 2015
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    JaneiR36 wrote: »
    Eating less, moving more. This is a fairly typical response, conveniently leaving out the MyFitnessPal app/website tracking and support system that makes it extremely easy for many of us to apply a calorie deficit on a long term basis. Try that complete answer and see if the reaction isn't a bit better understanding, faster.

    LOL, I print out my 90 day MFP reports for my calories, net calories, carbs (I'm diabetic), and weight loss and take them in to my appointments along with my Excel spreadsheet of daily BG readings. The first thing she asks when she walks in the door is "OK, where are those cool reports".



  • Papatoad194
    Papatoad194 Posts: 251 Member
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    elphie754 wrote: »
    Warning: partial rant about MD stupidity as well as a question about the stupidity.

    "no. I am eating less, moving more. I can see why you didn't go into nutrition as your speciality. Now can we please finish the appt without mentioning magical pixie dust for weight loss?" Maybe not the nicest way to say it, but it certainly finished the conversation lol. Now I remember why I only see her twice a year lol.

    Why is it so hard for people to believe that CICO works? Especially those in medicine?

    I love it.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    It would help to read replies before responding. And my calorie goals were set by my PCP. Also- just because one has MD after their name does not mean they are never wrong. As we typically joke in EMS that the "physician who identifies themselves on scene" is typically a random specialist (like podiatrist or OB/gyn) and completely useless in an emergency.
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.
    I get that that's the reaction here, but I don't think that's what the MD was doing. She wasn't trying to figure out OP's "magic" to weight loss. She may have simply been concerned that OP may have been missing out on key nutrients. Certain health conditions may necessitate a different distribution of the macros than the recommendations for an average person, for example. Because the doc was privy to OP's medical history - from the limited discussion here she seems like a specialist OP sees for a specific condition - she knows things we probably don't - and shouldn't, because this is no place to release one's medical records. She may well have been trying to figure out if OP was cutting out something that would help their treatment or adding something that would harm the treatment or condition.

    Uh yes she was trying to ask about said magic. She was expected some weird fad to be the answer and not CICO. I am glad that you seem to be able to read this MDs mind when you were er in the room though. Great job on mastering telepathy. And I clearly said on page one she is a Psychiatrist. I see her twice a year (two times two many for me) for medication review.

    Just because someone is a doctor does not mean they are never wrong.
  • jrline
    jrline Posts: 2,353 Member
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    I think it is because people tend to be lazy and want a quick fix. It really doesn't need to be hard it just takes a little effort and consistency. I am never going back to my 100lbs heavier.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    edited February 2015
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    deaniac83 wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.
    I get that that's the reaction here, but I don't think that's what the MD was doing. She wasn't trying to figure out OP's "magic" to weight loss. She may have simply been concerned that OP may have been missing out on key nutrients. Certain health conditions may necessitate a different distribution of the macros than the recommendations for an average person, for example. Because the doc was privy to OP's medical history - from the limited discussion here she seems like a specialist OP sees for a specific condition - she knows things we probably don't - and shouldn't, because this is no place to release one's medical records. She may well have been trying to figure out if OP was cutting out something that would help their treatment or adding something that would harm the treatment or condition.
    When someone posts that she had to repeat herself several times regarding how she lost weight to an MD, and you say it's all about" "the reaction here," then it seems to me you are indeed missing the point. Elphie said that this particular doctor had nothing to do with weight loss, therefore it's clear the doctor was asking out of general interest. In fact, the original post is very clear.

    None us of like to repeat themselves, and it seems much worse that a doctor couldn't accept her answer, Many people, including medical personnel, think you have to restrict actual food type to lose weight.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    SLLRunner wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.
    I get that that's the reaction here, but I don't think that's what the MD was doing. She wasn't trying to figure out OP's "magic" to weight loss. She may have simply been concerned that OP may have been missing out on key nutrients. Certain health conditions may necessitate a different distribution of the macros than the recommendations for an average person, for example. Because the doc was privy to OP's medical history - from the limited discussion here she seems like a specialist OP sees for a specific condition - she knows things we probably don't - and shouldn't, because this is no place to release one's medical records. She may well have been trying to figure out if OP was cutting out something that would help their treatment or adding something that would harm the treatment or condition.
    When someone posts that she had to repeat herself several times regarding how she lost weight to an MD, and you say it's all about" "the reaction here," then it seems to me you are indeed missing the point. Elphie said that this particular doctor had nothing to do with weight loss, therefore it's clear the doctor was asking out of general interest. In fact, the original post is very clear.

    None us of like to repeat themselves, and it seems much worse that a doctor couldn't accept her answer, Many people, including medical personnel, think you have to restrict actual food type to lose weight.

    Thank you! I thought it was rather clear.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
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    JaneiR36 wrote: »
    Eating less, moving more. This is a fairly typical response, conveniently leaving out the MyFitnessPal app/website tracking and support system that makes it extremely easy for many of us to apply a calorie deficit on a long term basis. Try that complete answer and see if the reaction isn't a bit better understanding, faster. In my case it usually becomes pretty clear to the listeners why this could still be challenging for some: many were not interested in looking at a food label prior to eating. Some were concerned about tracking ethnic food that wouldn't be listed in any database. Others yet didn't want to be faced with the smaller portions they'd have to decide to eat once they learned that the carb portion of their daily lunch was half their day's calorie allotment...

    I have told some people about using the app to track calories and exercise. So far, the reaction has been that they think it's cool.
  • deaniac83
    deaniac83 Posts: 166 Member
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    elphie754 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    It would help to read replies before responding. And my calorie goals were set by my PCP. Also- just because one has MD after their name does not mean they are never wrong. As we typically joke in EMS that the "physician who identifies themselves on scene" is typically a random specialist (like podiatrist or OB/gyn) and completely useless in an emergency.
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.
    I get that that's the reaction here, but I don't think that's what the MD was doing. She wasn't trying to figure out OP's "magic" to weight loss. She may have simply been concerned that OP may have been missing out on key nutrients. Certain health conditions may necessitate a different distribution of the macros than the recommendations for an average person, for example. Because the doc was privy to OP's medical history - from the limited discussion here she seems like a specialist OP sees for a specific condition - she knows things we probably don't - and shouldn't, because this is no place to release one's medical records. She may well have been trying to figure out if OP was cutting out something that would help their treatment or adding something that would harm the treatment or condition.

    Uh yes she was trying to ask about said magic. She was expected some weird fad to be the answer and not CICO. I am glad that you seem to be able to read this MDs mind when you were er in the room though. Great job on mastering telepathy. And I clearly said on page one she is a Psychiatrist. I see her twice a year (two times two many for me) for medication review.

    Just because someone is a doctor does not mean they are never wrong.
    And just because a patient doesn't like a physician does not give the patient some special medical knowledge.

    If you are going to go around lecturing people that they should read before they reply, you should do the same. Not once have I said that just because they are an MD means that they are never wrong. I said generally speaking, there's a reason someone has an MD after their name, and when they express concern, it's not to be dismissed out of hand. You also hadn't mentioned before that you are seeing someone you consider equivalent of an ambulance chaser, nor had you mentioned that you spoke to your PCP to set your goals. So when I asked if you considered getting a second opinion, the answer could have simply been a 'yes' rather all this umbrage.

    Lastly, why is it okay for everyone who agrees with you to read the MD's mind but not me? Seems to me that is exactly what you are doing, as well. Is it your contention that just being in the room with her qualifies you to read her mind? I am not, incidentally, reading her mind. I have suggested possibilities as to why she may have been concerned. If she were concerned that you may have been on a fad diet even though you weren't, that too doesn't speak to her incompetence. You yourself stated in no uncertain terms that you made no attempt to explain to her your actual diet/changes in habits, dismissing it as none of her business. But we're supposed to somehow think that SHE should have somehow known you were doing it right.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    deaniac83 wrote: »
    elphie754 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    It would help to read replies before responding. And my calorie goals were set by my PCP. Also- just because one has MD after their name does not mean they are never wrong. As we typically joke in EMS that the "physician who identifies themselves on scene" is typically a random specialist (like podiatrist or OB/gyn) and completely useless in an emergency.
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    deaniac83 wrote: »
    If they are an MD and you are not, let's just say it stands to reason they know more about the human body than you do. And you HAVE lost weight pretty fast. 10 lbs a month average is nothing to sneeze at and if a doctor who you have history with is concerned, I would at least get a second opinion. You may not see her for anything related to your weight (incidentally, what DO you see her for?), but that doesn't mean she didn't go through med school. Did you at least speak with your primary physician to see if you are in fact losing weight too fast for your body and history?

    methinks you are missing the point. Doctor kept pestering her to give her a response besides "I'm monitoring my caloric intake" to explain how she lost weight. One would assume that if she had said "oh I stopped eating cake" or "I go to the gym every day for an hour!" the doctor wouldn't have said anything.
    I get that that's the reaction here, but I don't think that's what the MD was doing. She wasn't trying to figure out OP's "magic" to weight loss. She may have simply been concerned that OP may have been missing out on key nutrients. Certain health conditions may necessitate a different distribution of the macros than the recommendations for an average person, for example. Because the doc was privy to OP's medical history - from the limited discussion here she seems like a specialist OP sees for a specific condition - she knows things we probably don't - and shouldn't, because this is no place to release one's medical records. She may well have been trying to figure out if OP was cutting out something that would help their treatment or adding something that would harm the treatment or condition.

    Uh yes she was trying to ask about said magic. She was expected some weird fad to be the answer and not CICO. I am glad that you seem to be able to read this MDs mind when you were er in the room though. Great job on mastering telepathy. And I clearly said on page one she is a Psychiatrist. I see her twice a year (two times two many for me) for medication review.

    Just because someone is a doctor does not mean they are never wrong.
    And just because a patient doesn't like a physician does not give the patient some special medical knowledge.

    If you are going to go around lecturing people that they should read before they reply, you should do the same. Not once have I said that just because they are an MD means that they are never wrong. I said generally speaking, there's a reason someone has an MD after their name, and when they express concern, it's not to be dismissed out of hand. You also hadn't mentioned before that you are seeing someone you consider equivalent of an ambulance chaser, nor had you mentioned that you spoke to your PCP to set your goals. So when I asked if you considered getting a second opinion, the answer could have simply been a 'yes' rather all this umbrage.

    Lastly, why is it okay for everyone who agrees with you to read the MD's mind but not me? Seems to me that is exactly what you are doing, as well. Is it your contention that just being in the room with her qualifies you to read her mind? I am not, incidentally, reading her mind. I have suggested possibilities as to why she may have been concerned. If she were concerned that you may have been on a fad diet even though you weren't, that too doesn't speak to her incompetence. You yourself stated in no uncertain terms that you made no attempt to explain to her your actual diet/changes in habits, dismissing it as none of her business. But we're supposed to somehow think that SHE should have somehow known you were doing it right.

    Ambulance chaser? Lol. Yeah it even going to bother anymore.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
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    SLLRunner wrote: »
    JaneiR36 wrote: »
    Eating less, moving more. This is a fairly typical response, conveniently leaving out the MyFitnessPal app/website tracking and support system that makes it extremely easy for many of us to apply a calorie deficit on a long term basis. Try that complete answer and see if the reaction isn't a bit better understanding, faster. In my case it usually becomes pretty clear to the listeners why this could still be challenging for some: many were not interested in looking at a food label prior to eating. Some were concerned about tracking ethnic food that wouldn't be listed in any database. Others yet didn't want to be faced with the smaller portions they'd have to decide to eat once they learned that the carb portion of their daily lunch was half their day's calorie allotment...

    I have told some people about using the app to track calories and exercise. So far, the reaction has been that they think it's cool.

    I have had trouble convincing people that MFP is not a "diet", it is just a tool to help track whatever way you choose to eat. One of the cashiers at my grocery was asking me about my weight loss and I was explaining MFP to her. She was going to check it out. A week later I asked her if she looked into it and she said "my doctor told me I should be trying the Mediterranean diet, but I'll check out yours too". I once again told her that it is a tool to use along with the Mediterranean (or whatever) food plan but she is convinced MFP is an actual diet. wallsmiley_zpswnm77chy.gif
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
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    Wow. How annoying.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
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    because weight loss is supposed to be hard work that involves complex formulas, restricting all "bad" foods, and taking magical fat burning supplements, all while torturing ones self...
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
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    ana3067 wrote: »
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    Wait... there's no pixie dust? None? WTF, man! Delete account:-)

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