Weight management from a GP's perspective

Weight management is an essential component of maintaining overall health and preventing chronic conditions. GPs often serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking help with weight-related concerns, offering guidance, personalised plans and access to various treatments. Here to provide a detailed look at weight management is leading private GP/doctor Mr Jack Ogden.

The importance of weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of developing a range of health issues, including:

• Type 2 diabetes: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
• Cardiovascular disease: Being overweight or obese raises the likelihood of hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
• Joint problems: Carrying extra weight places stress on joints, particularly the knees and hips, potentially leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Sleep apnoea: Excess weight around the neck can obstruct airways, resulting in breathing issues during sleep.

GPs often discuss these risks with patients to highlight the importance of weight management in preventing such complications.

Individualised weight management plans

As everyone’s body is different, GPs focus on creating tailored weight management plans based on a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Key components of these plans include:

• Dietary advice: GPs often recommend a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Fad diets are usually discouraged, as they can lead to nutrient deficiencies and may not be sustainable long-term.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of weight management. GPs may suggest moderate-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling. For those who have joint pain or other mobility issues, low-impact exercises might be recommended.
• Behavioural changes: Addressing the psychological aspect of weight management is critical. Emotional eating, stress, and sleep patterns can all affect weight. GPs may suggest behavioural therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help patients develop healthier habits and coping mechanisms.

Medication and surgical options

For some patients, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to achieve their weight loss goals. In such cases, GPs might consider the following options:

• Weight loss medications: Prescription medications like orlistat can be offered to those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 28 with weight-related conditions. These medications work by reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the body.
• Bariatric surgery: In cases where patients are severely obese and have not responded to other treatments, GPs may refer them to a specialist for bariatric surgery. This can include procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric surgery is usually considered a last resort due to the risks and lifestyle changes required post-surgery.

Support and monitoring

One of the most significant roles of the GP in weight management is providing ongoing support. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor progress, address challenges, and adjust plans as needed. GPs may also refer patients to dietitians, psychologists or other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to weight loss.

GPs emphasise that weight loss should be gradual and sustainable, aiming for around 1 to 2 pounds per week. Rapid weight loss through extreme diets or excessive exercise can lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and an increased likelihood of regaining the weight.

When to seek help

Patients are encouraged to seek help if they:

• Struggle with weight gain despite making healthy lifestyle choices
• Experience weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
• Feel overwhelmed by emotional eating or have a negative body image

In conclusion, weight loss and management from a GP's perspective involve a balanced, patient-centred approach that includes lifestyle changes, psychological support, and, when necessary, medical interventions.

Are you looking for expert weight loss management assistance? Arrange a consultation with Dr Ogden via his Top Doctors profile.