Weight loss and doctors

nickyrobinson

So, I was talking to a ob-gyn friend (went to medical school at age 40, if you can believe) and she told me that medical school does not spend much time on weight loss and nutrition. Some doctors pick up a lot more, especially ones that specialize in things like diabetes, which have a heavy nutritional component. But your average doc can be fairly clueless about how to lose weight or adjust your diet for better health.

Her advice is "If a doctor says you need to lose weight, or eat a low-carb diet or whatever, have them explain why in detail (take notes!) then go right to a nutritionist. Preferably one who is used to to dealing with medical issues like yours. The nutritionist will help far more in general, and will help you work around personal issues much better. They are also cheaper. Double check on insurance coverage, though!"

Anyway, I thought this might help some people.

nixirain

I have been trying to tell people this! I have 2 people that are family medicine doctors that I am close with and they not only do not know anything about nutrition, they do these crazy diets to lose weight and try to sell me why its so awesome! Then they gain the weight back and then go on another crazy diet to lose the weight they gain back plus some.

The are just as clueless as everyone else that does no real research on weight loss. An the truth is you should go to a Registered Dietician not a Nutritionist there is a difference.

jillyt85

That's why I use my chiropractor who practices functional medicine. They are all about true health instead of medicine and can help in this area. Plus, a lot of chiropractors have a degree in nutrition as well.