A healthcare provider is someone who is specially trained to work with patients on all aspects of their health. From general checkups to aiding with more serious medical conditions and concerns, their expertise can help you live your fullest and healthiest life!

Working with a Healthcare Professional: The Benefits

The sole reason your weight matters is for your health. More specifically, your weight affects many different aspects of your health, including these systems in the body:

• Neurological – Headaches, stroke, dementia, etc.
• Respiratory – Asthma, Sleep Apnea, etc.
• Urological – Diabetic kidney disease, kidney cancer, etc.
• Circulatory – Blood pressure, cholesterol, clots, swelling, poor circulation, etc.
• Musculoskeletal – Arthritis, low back pain, etc.
• Psychological – Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.
• Gastrointestinal – Reflux, gallstones, polyps, colon cancer, etc.
• Pancreas – Diabetes, pancreatic cancer, polyps, etc.
• Nutritional – Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Reproductive – Prostate and ovarian cancer, infertility, etc.

What’s listed above is only a handful of ways that weight can impact health. While it can seem scary, it’s important to recognize the role that weight plays in how our bodies function.

That’s why talking to a professional about your weight can make a difference. Having this conversation may seem daunting at first, but that’s because weight is such a taboo topic. However, care providers have a responsibility to be compassionate and helpful.

Having the Conversation

Are you ready to talk to a healthcare professional about your weight? Congratulations! You’ve taken the next important step on your weight management journey, and it’s a big one.

So, what’s next? It’s time to schedule an appointment. You’ll want to come prepared before you meet with your provider, so consider these preparation tips for the conversation:

• Write down your medical symptoms and conditions
• Write down your overall goals for health and wellness
• Research and write down your family history
• Write down any specific questions you may have

Bring everything you’ve written down to your first appointment so you’ll have talking points to discuss. If you’re drawing a blank, you’ll have a handy list to keep the appointment on-track!

After your first appointment, your provider will talk to you about managing your health. You might be scheduled for a follow-up appointment if your provider wants to stay in touch.

Looking for additional tips for having the conversation? CLICK HERE to learn more.