Doctor advice conflicts with MFP

245

Replies

  • keeponkickin
    keeponkickin Posts: 1,520 Member
    There's a reason they say "practice medicine." UGH! Doctor be fired! Run to a new doctor as fast as possible.

    BTW, I'm 44 and I've lost 111 pounds in exactly one year. I use a heart rate monitor and I eat more than 1200 a day.
  • missikay1970
    missikay1970 Posts: 588 Member
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    ^^ i agree with this. maybe go back in and show her your work-out schedule, take your HRM in, show her sample meal plans that you've had, and compare to what you did before. it's hard to get a good picture of you with one single visit since your health changes. i don't think dr's know everything, but they sure as heck better know more than we do on here! LOL (no offense!)
  • vigyal75
    vigyal75 Posts: 3 Member
    If you doctor suggests you only consume 1200 calories a day, how many calories are consuming now in comparison?

    Your doctor isn't there to encourage you, unfortunately. And a doctor who cares about their own health will definitely be more opt to help you find a solution instead of issuing a warning.
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
    First and foremost, You do not trust , nor value the judgement of your MD. Obviously, the chemistry is not there. So whether she is right or wrong, you need to find some one else where you will be more comfortable with.

    She is not entirely wrong with the calorie burn from HRM's. They are not 100% accurate. I never eat more than 80% of the calorie count. But it is a good tool for an exercise routine.

    Healthy eating does not need a medical degree. Do our own research, there is more than enough of it out there. Find what works for you.
  • recriger
    recriger Posts: 245 Member
    One thing that can't be pointed out enough. "There is a huge difference between education and intelligence."!!
  • SteveTries
    SteveTries Posts: 723 Member
    When I told her I used a heart rate monitor, she informed me those aren’t a reliable measure of caloric burn.

    Without a shadow of a doubt she is correct about that point.

    Those monitors use algorithms to estimate caloric burn. There are many algorithms and they are all based on theoretical models and maybe statistical averages. They don't actually measure your caloric burn.
    I'm curious to know what does do this accurately then? If something doesn't actually measure your caloric burn but uses averages and models then what else would be better? Just because it doesn't say this is how many you burn for a fact doesn't mean it's unreliable, suggesting it is just completely wrong is not correct i don't think.

    Well hold on now, I didn't say that the product is wrong full stop. I agreed with the Dr. in that it isn't reliable. For some people it may be spot on, for many others way out. My point is that it does NOT and cannot measure caloric burn. It measures heart rate and then 'guesses' caloric burn.
  • Birdmyrna
    Birdmyrna Posts: 21 Member
    So I went to my Internist last week for my 6-month checkup, and just about everything she told me was against what I’ve learned and what I’ve read on MFP. I think I need to find a new doctor!

    I was frustrated because I hadn’t lost any weight in over 3 weeks, but I’d started eating healthy (from eating whatever I wanted) and had added a 2nd round of exercising several days/week. When I mentioned I burn between 400 - 900 calories in a day through exercise, she said there is no way I could burn that many unless I was a younger, very athletic person. When I told her I used a heart rate monitor, she informed me those aren’t a reliable measure of caloric burn.

    She also said the only way for me to lose weight is to eat 1200 calories per day, regardless of how much I exercise. And that if I don’t lose the weight now, I will really balloon up once I hit menopause (I’m 45). How’s that for encouragement?

    So I think I’ll find a new doctor before my next checkup!

    Wow...That's what I call NO BEDSIDE MANNERS....that's like a doctor my husband went to about 15 years ago when he developed malignat melanoma and he said "well, there is nothing out there that can help you..sorry" Ha! My husband went to National Institute of Health and MD Anderson over the years and he has been cancer free for over 3 years !!! So...yes by all means get a new doctor and good luck !
  • SteveTries
    SteveTries Posts: 723 Member


    Well hold on now, I didn't say that the product is wrong full stop. I agreed with the Dr. in that it isn't reliable. For some people it may be spot on, for many others way out. My point is that it does NOT and cannot measure caloric burn. It measures heart rate and then 'guesses' caloric burn.

    You know what, I'm just gonna say it - actually I DO think they are wrong full stop. I think they overestimate the caloric burn because we as consumers want to hear that message and that drives more sales.

    It's just like all the cardio machines in the gym advocating their lower heart rate "fat burn zone" despite that research being discredited years ago (actually the interpretation and application of the research, not the research itself).

    they dont call the diet business the most profitable failing business for no reason :)
  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    I haven't read all of the replies to your OP, but your doctor is an idiot. If you are using a HRM to measure calories burned, then you are burning those calories...plain and simple.

    I will say that adding more exercise to your routine isn't always the way to knock the scale down. Our muscles need time to rest and recover...and if you don't give your body enough down time, things will not work out the way you want. Instead of adding more workout time to your routine, I prefer working out more intensely during the time you already spend. This is the way I went about my journey....increased the intensity of my exercise over time, without increasing the amount of exercise time too much. Take a look at my plateau blog for other ideas. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/H_Factor/view/breaking-a-plateau-170648

    ...and get a new doctor ;)
  • chulie
    chulie Posts: 282
    regarding the heart rate monitor:...this machine requires human input...so if you happen to accidentally be off on something. It COULD mess up your results....so I think all he's saying is, it's not the voice of God. It could be off a bit here or there but it is definitely the most accurate machine we have available at our fingertips(that we can afford!hahaha)
  • teagin2002
    teagin2002 Posts: 1,900 Member
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    Unfortunately the doctor's statement is too overgeneralized to be true. When a person makes a statement and doesn't consider any specific details about the person in front of them it points to personal insecurities they may have. Doctor's are human to with all that comes with being human.
    I would definitely seek a doctor that is more experienced in nutrition and exercise and less willing to push a particular routine for all simply due to their age.
  • kathyc609
    kathyc609 Posts: 258 Member
    you should probably listen to your doctor -- dont rely on MFP for your health
  • mohanj
    mohanj Posts: 381 Member
    I am 58 years old and I burn about 800 - 1000 calories per day. I keep my calories around 1500 or less and have lost about 5 lbs in past 2 weeks. I know if I keep my calorie intake to 1200 I would loose more and I might just do that.
    None of the instruments like heart monitor or pedometer etc., are perfect. I consider those instruments as approximate and just use them as guidelines. I would suggest you to keep the same exercise level but cut down the calorie intake if possible to 1200 as suggested by your doctor and see if you loose weight. It is much easier to loose weight at 45 than when you hit the menopause. Don't get discouraged by your Doctor as she has some truth in what she is saying. Changing the Doctor won't help you much. You have to find for yourself what works for you. Good Luck.
  • scapez
    scapez Posts: 2,018 Member
    Take your HRM and use it to calculate the burn while you run to find a better doctor!
  • MaximalLife
    MaximalLife Posts: 2,447 Member
    Presupposing your version is true and correct, I'd have fired that doctor on the spot.
    Any professional blanket advising caloric intake is incompetent.
  • MmmDrop
    MmmDrop Posts: 160 Member
    Eeew, yeah... find a new doctor.

    The only time I will ever see a doctor is if I need a specialist. Otherwise, I see a Nurse Practitioner.... I've found that they tend to actually listen more to their patients.

    Good luck!
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    It's not because your mother manage to mess up her metabolism that everyone should do the same now do we???
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    And just because 1200 calories a day works for your 120lb, 5'4" exercising mom, means the OP's doctor is right? Hmmm...

    When I was 22, I had a doctor tell me I would be 'dead in three years' if I didn't make radical changes to my lifestyle. I was a 5'9", 175lb, non-smoker, who had a glass of wine or two once a week. She made this judgment call without any bloodwork or testing whatsoever. She also referred me to enroll in her expensive (non-insurance covered) weight loss program.

    I quit going to her after that appointment. And go figure... 18 years later, I'm still alive and kicking!
  • 2hungariangirls
    2hungariangirls Posts: 220
    Get another opinion. If I had listened to the advice given to me by a doctor my now 20 month old would have DIED! ALWAYS, ALWAYS get a second opinion if your GUT tells you something is off. Whether it is weight loss or something more serious. I've put many a doctor in their place over the last 20 months. Get another opinion and good luck!
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    I wouldn't listen to anything you read on the internet or in a message forum. Take the advice of your DR. he/she is a professional with a degree.
  • britty52
    britty52 Posts: 3
    This is such a bummer to hear. I am a family doctor.... and I agree, you should find yourself a new one. She should have been more concerned with you not losing weight despite your exercise and diet, and looking into physiologic reasons why.
    In the meantime, keep your head up, keep doing what you are doing, and find yourself another doctor who can support you and all the healthy changes you have been making!
  • auticus
    auticus Posts: 1,051 Member
    I don't eat my exercise calories either.
  • ASexyScorpio
    ASexyScorpio Posts: 5 Member
    When it comes to weight issues, doctors can be so insensitive!! Some times they think they know everything because of their title. Maybe your doctor is right, but who wants to hear they are going to balloon up during menopause?! Especially since its right around the corner for you!! Can anyone say DISTASTEFUL?!
    Keep researching because you can never have too much information. I would look for a different doctor. And do what works for you and your body. We're all different and your body will respond accordingly. GOOD LUCK
  • determined2lose89
    determined2lose89 Posts: 342 Member
    Time for a new Doctor!
  • kateroot
    kateroot Posts: 435
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    And just because 1200 calories a day works for your 120lb, 5'4" exercising mom, means the OP's doctor is right? Hmmm...

    I didn't say the doctor was right. Different things work for different people. Assuming the doctor isn't a total quack, she took into account the OP's individual needs. And maybe the doctor doesn't have a clue what she's talking about, but I'm just saying that taking the advice of random people on a message board (myself included) over your doctor's advice is kind of silly.
  • PepeGreggerton
    PepeGreggerton Posts: 986 Member
    I don't eat my exercise calories either.

    same
  • Ahluvly
    Ahluvly Posts: 389 Member
    Hey, I went to see a Nutritionist 10 days ago, first week results = 4.6lbs loss (get in), however she did say to me she wants me to get out of calorie counting AND, that HRMs aren't acurate so I'd maybe not jump the gun with saying you need a new doctor, despite not liking what they have said to you. I'd get a 2nd opinion but, I think listening to a professional doctor/dietician will help you manage your weight a bit better. It will really depend on what your stats are as to what they give you advice wise, on how to lose the weight. See if you can get referred to a Dietician/Nutrionist and if not, you could pay privately. Take your diary with you, get them to analyse it and then make recommendations based on that, and other information they require. That's what I did.....I hope that helps :)
    So I went to my Internist last week for my 6-month checkup, and just about everything she told me was against what I’ve learned and what I’ve read on MFP. I think I need to find a new doctor!

    I was frustrated because I hadn’t lost any weight in over 3 weeks, but I’d started eating healthy (from eating whatever I wanted) and had added a 2nd round of exercising several days/week. When I mentioned I burn between 400 - 900 calories in a day through exercise, she said there is no way I could burn that many unless I was a younger, very athletic person. When I told her I used a heart rate monitor, she informed me those aren’t a reliable measure of caloric burn.

    She also said the only way for me to lose weight is to eat 1200 calories per day, regardless of how much I exercise. And that if I don’t lose the weight now, I will really balloon up once I hit menopause (I’m 45). How’s that for encouragement?

    So I think I’ll find a new doctor before my next checkup!
  • kateroot
    kateroot Posts: 435
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    It's not because your mother manage to mess up her metabolism that everyone should do the same now do we???

    You're making an invalid assumption based on the very limited information I shared about my mother, and I did not say everyone should eat 1200 calories a day, but nice try. Different people have different calorie needs. I eat 1800-2000 calories a day, but that's what works for me. I'm saying it's silly to write off a doctor's advice just because it's not what you want to hear.
  • GreenEyedGrl86
    GreenEyedGrl86 Posts: 117
    So basically, because your doctor didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, and her advice conflicts with the advice you get on a message board full of mostly people who have very little actual knowledge of metabolic processes, aging, and nutrition science, you think she sucks and you should find a new doctor? Her job isn't to "encourage" you. I'm sorry to disagree with just about everyone, but I think you're writing your doc off a little too quickly. Why not actually try what she advised you to do, and see what happens?

    No, that's not what they are saying, at least not in my opinion. I'm thinking there is no set plan that works for everyone, everyone is different. Also, a general practice doctor may not be AS knowledgeable as a specialist in the area. I would at least seek a second opinion from a specialist.
  • sma83
    sma83 Posts: 479 Member
    It's called "practicing" medicine for a reason! They dont know everything just because they have a Degree on the wall! You have lived in your body your entire life. You know what feels right for YOU! I would find another Dr too!
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