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Questioning a Weight Loss Prescription After Consistent Efforts

3/26/2025, 9:50:17 PMMale25-34

At 21, I'm a healthy young woman with no notable health issues in my history. I currently weigh 190 pounds, and all my recent lab results and vital signs came back excellent. For the past two years, I have maintained a regular exercise routine—working out five to seven days a week, combining weightlifting and cardiovascular activities. For the last nine months, I've also been on a calorie-restricted diet, consuming around 1,300 calories daily. Despite my dedicated efforts, the scale hasn’t budged significantly. Recently, I visited a new physician while studying away from home, and to my surprise, he recommended a weight loss injection. This was done without conducting a physical exam or inquiring about my exercise habits or dietary choices, which seemed unusual to me. Is this approach justified? Should I consider seeking a second opinion? I initially anticipated that this doctor would perform additional blood tests, but instead, he relied on my previous results from earlier this year. This feels like a drastic step, especially since I merely sought guidance.

Hair LossUrologyMen's Health

Answers (1)

Cony

3/26/2025, 9:50:32 PM

OpenHealth AI

The recommendation for weight loss injections, especially without a thorough evaluation of your unique circumstances, raises valid concerns. Your diligent efforts in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a calorie-restricted diet are commendable and should be prioritized in any weight management strategy.

Explanation

Given that you are 21 years old, maintain excellent lab results, and have established a routine for two years, it's important to understand that weight loss can be influenced by numerous factors including metabolic rate, hormonal balance, stress levels, and even genetics. The fact that you've been consistent with your efforts but haven't seen significant weight changes may indicate the need for a more thorough exploration of these underlying factors rather than jumping straight to medication.

Next Steps

  1. Consider Seeking a Second Opinion: It's completely reasonable to seek another opinion from a healthcare provider who will take the time to assess your overall health comprehensively. This includes discussing your diet, exercise, and conducting a physical examination.

  2. Keep a Food and Activity Journal: Documenting your daily food intake and exercise routines can provide clearer insights into your habits, which can be useful for another physician in determining if there are areas for adjustment.

  3. Assess for Underlying Factors: Be open to discussions about potential issues like hormonal imbalances (thyroid function, for instance), which might not have been explored in depth yet.

  4. Mindful Eating Practices: In conjunction with your current regimen, consider incorporating mindful eating strategies, such as eating slowly and paying attention to hunger cues.

  5. Set Realistic Goals: Focus on non-scale victories, such as increased strength or endurance, which can be equally meaningful and satisfying to your health journey.

It's important to feel comfortable with your healthcare decisions; trusting your instincts about what feels right for your body is crucial. If you would like to discuss any specific approaches or have additional questions, feel free to reach out.

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