It is not shock that doctors specialize in different areas, making them more important and able to handle different problems. If you are interested in weight loss and want some help, you may wonder who to turn to. There are many options available to you, from your personal doctor to a nutritionist, so learn what each doctor can do and make your choice easier.
Personal Physician
Your general practitioner can be there to help you start your weight loss journey, especially if you are severely overweight or only need to lose a few pounds. You can talk with your personal physician about tips on eating less, exercise, what to eat and when to eat it. They can also help you determine if you need to reduce the consumption of some foods or include more vegetables or items with fiber to help reduce other physical problems you may have, such as heartburn, indigestion or diabetes.
Nutritionist
A nutritionist isn’t a typical physician, but they are considered nutrition experts. If you find that you cannot stop eating unhealthy foods or aren’t sure which diet is right for you, a nutritionist can help. They usually have nutrition degrees and can help you determine the best diet for your needs and help you understand what food is and how it affects your health. Once you have a proper diet, you may not require exercise and may be able to lose inches successfully.
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist can help with hormones and glands and if you are overweight due to hormonal problems, this type of doctor may be the best choice for you. They can help with Cushing’s Disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Once you speak with your personal physician, you may be referred to an endocrinologist before being allowed to start a program.
Bariatric Physician
Bariatric physicians typically study prevention of obesity and its causes and are available to provide helpful information about exercise and nutrition that is more in-depth than a general practitioner can handle. This type of physician is used by those who are morbidly obese and may not be able to exercise or eat drastically less than normal for fear of other health risks. Many times, surgery is required for these people to lose enough to be able to exercise healthily. Typically, you must be referred to a bariatric physician by your general practitioner.
A weight loss doctor could be your personal physician or a specialist. If you want an expert, consider those at California Medical Weight Loss today.
