3 Reasons To Check With Your Doctor Before Trying A Fitness Program
You likely hear the disclaimer to check with your doctor before beginning any weight loss or fitness program. Many people disregard these instructions, but there are several reasons you should take this warning seriously:
Effects Of Medications
If you are taking any medications, your doctor can inform you if there are certain weight loss substances you should avoid that may interact with current medications or if you should use caution with your exercise program. For example, you may want to try a supplement that contains diuretics, which would interact with some blood pressure medications that already reduce fluid retention. Additionally, some medications can make you more sensitive to the heat or rigorous exercise, which means you may need more fluids during exercise and avoid exercising outdoors when the weather is hot. Knowing this information can prevent life-threatening changes in electrolyte balance that can lead to fainting or heat exhaustion.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Although making changes to your diet and incorporating more exercise can be beneficial for many medical conditions, you may need to take precautions to avoid causing new concerns. Current issues with heart disease might require you to start exercising at a slower pace and have regular monitoring to avoid unhealthy stress on your heart. Additionally, your primary care doctor may advise against certain dietary changes, such as diets higher in fat and/or protein if you have heart or kidney problems. Being severely obese can be a challenge in itself when trying to lose weight. Going on a highly restrictive diet that is not monitored by a medical professional and losing weight quickly can potentially lead to fatal heart problems or liver damage.
Updated Blood Work
When you are serious about making significant changes to lose weight and/or improve your fitness, it may be important to have recent blood work before starting. This will give your doctor an opportunity to determine if there are any problems that require monitoring but are not cause for concern. Slightly elevated blood glucose or cholesterol levels may not warrant serious concern, but your doctor would likely want you to focus on eating a diet that lowers these numbers.
Low levels of certain nutrients, such as iron and vitamins, may need to be improved through your diet to help you reach your optimum performance. When your body does not have adequate vitamins and nutrients, it can intensify cravings and make it harder to have the energy for exercise. Recent blood work also serves as a reference point so you can observe any changes months later. If you are experimenting with different diet or exercise plans, you can see if there are positive or negative changes in your overall health and make adjustments.
Although most people engage in diet and exercise programs without clearance from their doctor, there are potential risks. It is always best to have a discussion with your doctor to receive guidance on the lifestyle changes most appropriate for your unique situation.
