Let us imagine that you already arranged a good plan for eating healthy and also will add a few hours of light exercise during the week. Great!!!
A fair question would be:
Why, do I need to visit my doctor if he or she would 100% approve what I am planning to do?
The answer (totally in your favor) is: Because a medical checkup can get you essential information that you should consider during your weight loss program.
Let’s say that you go to the doctor and tests reveal that your blood sugar is too high. Of course, your doctor won’t tell you to drop your plan but maybe add medical suggestions that could improve how efective and safe it executes. Maybe you will get a note to keep away for certain foods or monitor your glucose levels. The same goes for blood pressure and other parameters that have a profound impact on your health.
A couple of years ago, I went to the doctor for a case of torticollis and some of the tests revealed a condition in the cervical area of my spinal cord (neck area) that requires attention. Luckily enough, the doctor said that “Cervical Therapy” would suffice. But my point is that because of this finding, the doctor strongly suggested keeping away from high impact exercises, even if I could go back to a normal weight. This was not a preventive checkup, and I got very important for any fitness plan that includes exercise. So, knowing where you stand before initiating is always a wise decision.
Work with your doctor and try to get a health picture of you as wide as possible. The more information the better. I believe that your “Before” checkup should include but not limited to:
1) Complete “Lipids Profile” (your Cholesterol numbers). Please tell your doctor to include the not always present, genetic marker Apo (a) and the modernly used risk indicator Apo B.
2) Glucose Tests (your blood sugar numbers). This is usually measuring your glucose level at the time of the test, but how about asking for an “A1C” test that is a better assessment for glucose healthy levels? and while you are at it, let us get a “Fasting Insulin” Test. I am sure that your doctor won’t complain getting this additional knowledge.
3) Liver Test is also mandatory when assessing metabolic health. If you are obese like me or even overweigh, there is the possibility of having some degree of NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) aka Fat in your Liver.
So go ahead! Get your doctor involved and start your journey knowing important things about your current self and that you have the approval of your medical professional for your journey to a healthier You!
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