Doctor ORDERED me not to lose any more weight
kennyh75
Posts: 20 Member
Went to Dr. today for first time in 3 years for checkup. He was astounded by my loss - (I'm 6'1', 38 yo, I went from 245 on his chart in June of 2011.... weighed in at 192 yesterday at his office).
Here's the thing... I actually am trying to lose the 10 pounds or so which have creeped up on me over the past year or so. I"m torn on what to do here, as he was adamant.
Let me also add that I've added a lot of "tone" over the past year from a lifting program, though my BMI still has me as overweight, which bothers me. Admittedly, I'm in the camp of people who think "gaining muscle weight" is just a copout.
Here's the thing... I actually am trying to lose the 10 pounds or so which have creeped up on me over the past year or so. I"m torn on what to do here, as he was adamant.
Let me also add that I've added a lot of "tone" over the past year from a lifting program, though my BMI still has me as overweight, which bothers me. Admittedly, I'm in the camp of people who think "gaining muscle weight" is just a copout.
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Replies
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Do what makes you feel good. Maybe determine your body fat ratio and see if you are in a healthy range first?0
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Is there a medical reason why you shouldn't lose 10 pounds?0
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Did you ask him why?0
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no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anoerexic or something.0 -
:huh: Did he say why you shouldn't lose any more weight? According to your BMI, you should still have some more wiggle room on the weight front (as in, you're not even out of the "overweight" category, so it's not like your BMI is threatening underweight).
That said, measure your body fat. If you've been doing a lifting program, and you're new to lifting, you will get some "newbie gains," which can contribute to some (not necessarily all) of the weight you've seen creep up. At this point, though, getting a body fat measure (with BodPod or DEXA, ideally) is going to be more accurate/reliable than the BMI (which should really only be used for general purposes, not specific number goals of individuals).
And if your doctor didn't tell you why, call and ask. If he won't tell you why, find a new doctor. Pulling orders out their *kitten* without an explanation for it is a fireable offense in my book.
ETA since my question was asked and answered before I finished -- call him and ask him why. Without information, his "order" is pretty useless. Besides, if he does have it in his head that you're anorexic, you can laugh in his face.0 -
Admittedly, I'm in the camp of people who think "gaining muscle weight" is just a copout.
Do you even body composition?0 -
Unless the doc can give you some legit medical reason, it seems like he's just spouting off his opinion. That's my take on it anyway.0
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Doctor's are people and people have opinions. I agree that unless he can explain why, medically, you should not lose more weight then fine.
I am trusting that you don't have some sort of body dysmorphia where you don't notice your ribs are sticking out all over the place and that you actually do have some fat to get rid of. I mean 6'1'' and 192 doesn't sound that overweight but it depends on your frame size and body comp and if you are small framed or low on lean mass then yeah you probably DO have weight to lose.
Honestly though I would as your doctor directly why you should not lose more weight. If he insists you are lowering your bodyfat to dangerous levels ask him to order a DEXA scan to confirm this, heck you might get a free DEXA out of it ;-)0 -
Medical reason or not, if a doctor orders you to do something you should always ask why? if the reason is unclear and even if they give you a seemingly clear response it still may not be the best treatment or diagnosis.no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anorexic or something.
Doctors are human and therefore prone to error just like anyone else.
Take Dr Oz, world famous doctor but total quack.
I suggest a followup.0 -
Doctors can't actually order you to do anything. He's not your dad, your warden or your drill instructor.
Do what makes you feel good.0 -
obviously there is more to the story they he told you to not lose any more weight. Doctors are not always right, that is why people get second opinions.
you did not FEEL like asking why? What?!?!?!?0 -
Medical reason or not, if a doctor orders you to do something you should always ask why? if the reason is unclear and even if they give you a seemingly clear response it still may not be the best treatment or diagnosis.no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anorexic or something.
Doctors are human and therefore prone to error just like anyone else.
Take Dr Oz, world famous doctor but total quack.
I suggest a followup.
Dr. Oz is also being questioned by the senate about his advice of diet products he says to use on his show.0 -
Any idea what your body fat percentage is?
You may not have the fat to lose. Granted, you are a guy and can carry a smaller percentage of body fat than a woman, but 182 for a guy 6'1" could be too thin. If you are carrying a lot of muscle and very little fat already, I would suggest following your doctor's advice.0 -
no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anoerexic or something.
It seems odd to me that you were concerned that he would accuse you of being anorexic. That's a little telling.
Find out from your doctor his reasoning. Find out what your body fat percentage. Decide from there.0 -
I had an interesting encounter with my doctor a few years ago. I had just dropped from 253 to about 246(ish). I was pretty proud that I was starting to lose and said as much to him during my annual physical.
He said, "You're still young enough to not worry about that too much." I was 39. I thought I was at just the right age (which is any age) to worry about that.
He's much older than me and overweight himself, so I just nodded and let him finish the physical.0 -
Get a second opinion from another physician if you are concerned.0
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Without a reason, it doesn't seem reasonable to tell you you shouldn't try to reach a healthier weight.0
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Any idea what your body fat percentage is?
You may not have the fat to lose. Granted, you are a guy and can carry a smaller percentage of body fat than a woman, but 182 for a guy 6'1" could be too thin. If you are carrying a lot of muscle and very little fat already, I would suggest following your doctor's advice.
My son (young adult) is 6'1" and is quite glad to be at 152lbs (he was a few pounds heavier) but he works out, runs, and quite frankly looks good at this weight. Older son is 6'3" and in the low 160s range-and looks like he could use a few pounds. It really depends on body structure (one son took after my side-the other, my hubby's)...
I would say go with what you feel good at. When I first started losing (using MFP) my principal told me not to lose more weight-just to give you an idea that people will give their opinions-no matter who they are!0 -
no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anoerexic or something.
It seems odd to me that you were concerned that he would accuse you of being anorexic. That's a little telling.
Find out from your doctor his reasoning. Find out what your body fat percentage. Decide from there.
I was thinking the same thing like why would he jump to that conclusion?0 -
My doctor told me not to lose anymore weight even though its obvious i have another 25-30 pounds to go. When asked why, there was never any reason, just random opinions. Do what makes you feel best long as it doesnt adversely affect your health! Great job by the way!0
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My husband (he's 31, 6'4 and about 183) was told the same thing by his doctor.
We changed out eating habits about 2-3 years ago and he used to be about 210.
He thought it was hilarious since he was actually happy with losing his gut finally.
He's a carpenter and a brick mason so he doesn't formally exercise or try to diet at all.
He just works hard and eats tons of (now better) food.
So I say just do what you feel. It's your life.:drinker:0 -
My doctor said that to me when I was 10 pounds heavier than I am now. She was thrilled with my weight loss but said 'don't lose more'. My BMI then was okay, but defiitely not low. I said I wanted to get to my current weight (150) and that was where I was when I graduated from college and after both babies. She said 'fine'. I have.
I think they worry you'll become eating disordered. But you aren't underweight. Work at fitness and what happens will happen.
Good luck.0 -
I think some (not all) doctors also don't want you to lose weight and get healthy because then you won't have to see them as often..0
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I think some (not all) doctors also don't want you to lose weight and get healthy because then you won't have to see them as often..
Ah, I see you took Cynicism 101 as well, eh?
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Medical reason or not, if a doctor orders you to do something you should always ask why?no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anorexic or something.
This ^^ I could see not asking if he said you didn't need to lose more because you were healthy, or even if he suggested you not lose more.
But if it was truly a doctor's order not to lose more, it seems crazy not to ask why. Even crazier to post on an open forum, presumably for opinions.
Nobody here is going to know why the doctor ordered this, and without that knowledge, no one is going to be able to offer any informed opinion on whether you should follow that order.0 -
OP--when you scheduled your appointment what was the purpose of the appointment with your doctor?0
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Admittedly, I'm in the camp of people who think "gaining muscle weight" is just a copout.
Do you even body composition?
Yeah I am not even sure I know what that means... 'gaining muscle weight is just a copout' ??? Yet you believe in toning?
With body recomp, you could stay at the same weight and get rid of all the jiggles, looseness or whatever people call it.0 -
Accomplish your goal..you got this far, might as well finish it!0
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My husband is 35, 6'3, and about 190lbs. He isn't too thin. In fact, he had his BF% measured back in February, it was just over 19%. He's been working on losing some of the fat. He's definitely lost a couple of lbs.
The dr saw a dramatic weight loss in a relatively short period of time...and the concern could be more about an eating disorder vs. being too thin.
Do some heavy lifting and maintain whatever habits helped you lose the weight. Unless weight loss is some how negatively effecting your health (and the dr can prove it with tests), I wouldn't worry too much about it.0 -
no medical reason at all
didn't really feel like asking him "why," perhaps I did not want to make him suggest I'm anoerexic or something.
It sounds like you might feel guilty asking him why. I may be assuming things here, but I believe as your Dr. he WORKS FOR YOU. He provides you a service utilizing his knowledge, skills and expertise and in return you pay him money.
If it were me, as a paying customer, I would want to know why in his professional opinion he thinks I should not lose any more weight.0
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