The Link Between Your Medical History & Weight Loss

Denver Weight Loss GuideWhy your medical history is crucial to your weight loss journey  |  Denver Weight Loss Guide

Your medical history is crucial to your weight loss journey. It’s a key factor in how your body processes food and creates energy. It’s a road map of adaptability and survival that a medical weight loss team can use to create a successful weight loss journey.

Did you know that high blood pressure, lack of sleep, and type 2 diabetes can all affect your weight loss journey?

There is a direct correlation between high blood pressure and weight gain. Most of the time, however, high blood pressure isn’t noticed until it’s too late. Did you know that one of its symptoms is fatigue? While it’s completely normal to be tired now and again, a constant, chronic fatigue can be a symptom of high blood pressure. This symptom can make it difficult to get moving, create forgetfulness, and cause dietary problems.  If you notice chronic fatigue, vision problems, chest pain, lightheadedness or shortness of breath, you should see a healthcare professional immediately. Treatment for high blood pressure can cause some restrictions to your exercise regimen. Some beta-blockers such as Tenormin, Lopressor, and Inderal can cause weight gain by slowing caloric burning and causing fatigue. Talk with your medical weight loss team about these concerns, and be prepared to adapt your routine to match your treatment.

Sleep is also a factor in how you lose weight.

Did you know that lack of sleep can make you gain weight? Sleep loss affects the regulation of your appetite by decreasing leptin, the satiety peptide, and increasing ghrelin, the hunger stimulant peptide. If that wasn’t enough, it can also stimulate cravings for high-carbohydrate, high-fat foods. Getting the proper amount of sleep is a key factor in your body health and weight loss. If you’re unsure about your sleep patterns, keep a sleep and food journal for a month. When you wake up, write down how long you slept and how you feel. It can be as simple or as detailed as you like. Track your food intake during the day and see if there is a connection between poor sleep and overeating. You may be surprised by the results. Some sleep aides can make you feel groggy or unmotivated. Keep in mind that it takes time for your body to adapt to a new medication and sleep cycle. Keep in touch with your medical team to ensure your health needs are being met.

Diabetes Can Affect Weight Loss

People who have Type 2 Diabetes face a tough battle with weight, as most of the drugs on the market can make weight loss a struggle. Type 2 Diabetes drugs such as Diabinese, Insulase, Actos, and Prandin stimulate insulin production or activity. This lowers the blood sugar and may increase the appetite. Be aware of these symptoms, and if you notice an increase in your weight and appetite, contact your doctor. The largest weight gain will usually occur in the first three months, but your team can build a plan to help combat the side effects.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to health matters and your weight loss journey. Medications and treatments are necessary for your health, but you don’t have to go it alone. Your medical situation is unique, so why shouldn’t your weight loss strategy be the same? Let our team of medical professionals put you on the right path.