When you are hoping to lose weight, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. There is much to do and think about, and changing habits and daily routines can be tough to say the least. You may be wondering who and what can help you in your attempts to lose weight. One of the resources available to you that you may not have thought much about is your primary care doctor. Get to know some of the ways your primary care doctor can help with your weight loss journey. Then, you can go to the primary care center as soon as possible to get the process started. 

1. They Can Check for Heart Conditions and Lung Issues

One of the biggest benefits that a primary care doctor can provide when you are planning to start a weight loss journey is that they can give you a picture of your overall health. Before you start trying to lose weight, it is a good idea to visit your doctor. They will assess your cardiac and lung function and health to help guide you in developing your weight loss program. 

If you have a heart condition, for example, extreme cardio exercise may be too much for your heart to take. Instead you should focus on moderate cardio and monitor your heart rate closely while you exercise. 

If you have a lung condition like asthma, your doctor may prescribe inhalers to use before and/or after cardio exercise to prevent asthma attacks and similar issues. This can prevent some serious health complications when you start working out and trying to lose weight. 

2. They Can Check for Thyroid Problems

If you have already been trying to lose weight and have been having little luck, you may have an underlying condition like a thyroid problem that is causing you trouble. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is under-performing and not doing everything it should be doing. And, it can cause weight gain and make weight loss difficult. 

Your doctor can run a blood test to see if you have a thyroid issue. If you have hypothyroidism, you can take a daily thyroid hormone replacement to get the condition under control and help with your weight loss journey. 

3. They Can Advise You on Nutrition

Another benefit of seeing your primary care doctor when you are trying to lose weight is that they can provide you with some basic nutrition advice. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions. They can give you some helpful tips about healthy dieting and give you some basic eating guidance. 

4. They Can Prescribe Medications

Some medications can help jump-start weight loss and generally help with the process. However, you need a doctor to prescribe them. If your doctor agrees that medications are a safe and effective way to facilitate weight loss, they may prescribe medications like phentermine to help you lose weight. 

With these benefits of seeing a primary care doctor for weight loss in mind, schedule your appointment at a primary care center right away to get your weight loss journey started off on the right foot.