When Should You Revisit the Doctor?
In late May, I (26M - NZ) visited my doctor to discuss my weight, acknowledging that I was classified as overweight. The physician recommended that I follow a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), specifically utilizing a brand known locally as OptiSlim. I opted for the Variety Pack due to its affordability compared to individual items at my local retailer. Under this regimen, I consume three shakes daily alongside two cups of vegetables, ensuring I drink at least two liters of water each day. I realize that this approach is not sustainable long-term; its purpose is to establish a foundational weight before introducing any further changes. After a month, I returned to the doctor for a follow-up weigh-in, where I was pleased to find that I had lost 16 kg during the first month. Now that the second month has begun, I did not visit the doctor, as I have a personal goal for a target weight in mind. Instead, I conducted a self-assessment and discovered that my weight remained unchanged – stagnation, it seems. At what point should I consider going back to the doctor if this plateau continues? I have been contemplating incorporating a weigh-in every two weeks, in addition to the monthly check-in, to monitor for any persistent stagnation in my weight journey.
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 11:10:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you've made significant progress in your weight management journey and are actively monitoring your results. A plateau in weight loss can be frustrating, but it's a common experience during any diet plan. Here’s how to approach your situation and when to consider visiting your doctor again.
Main Points
- Monitor Your Progress: Weight plateaus are common, especially after initial weight loss. Regular weigh-ins can help you identify trends.
- Assess Your Diet and Activity: If stagnation persists, consider reviewing your calorie intake and physical activity.
- Timing for Doctor Visits: Revisit your doctor if weight loss remains stagnant for more than 4-6 weeks or if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Explanation
A plateau may occur for various reasons, including your body adjusting to a lower calorie intake, changes in metabolism, or not being in a calorie deficit anymore. While it's important to stick with your VLCD for initial weight loss, it might be beneficial to begin incorporating other healthy habits, such as increased physical activity or varying your calorie intake.
Next Steps
- Monitor Your Weight: Continue checking your weight every two weeks as planned. Look for patterns rather than focusing on day-to-day changes.
- Review Your Diet: Ensure you're sticking to the VLCD, but consider talking to a nutritionist or researching how to introduce variety or different food groups gradually, which might help break the plateau.
- Increase Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. This can kickstart your metabolism and support further weight loss.
- Revisit the Doctor: Schedule an appointment if you've plateaued for more than 4-6 weeks without any changes or if you experience any new issues like fatigue, changes in mood, or any health concerns related to your diet.
By actively monitoring your weight and making adjustments when necessary, you can continue on your path toward achieving your goals. Let me know if you have more specific concerns or questions!
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