Weight Loss

If your knees ache when you climb stairs, walk the dog or get up from a chair, you may wonder whether your weight has something to do with it. For many people it does. Here is how weight and knee pain are connected, and what you can do about it. How extra weight affects your knees Your knees carry your body weight with every step. Research suggests that each pound of body weight adds roughly four pounds of pressure on the knee when you walk. That means even a modest weight change can make a noticeable difference to the load on your joints over a day. Excess weight can also promote inflammation in the body, which may add to joint pain and stiffness. What studies show about weight loss and knee pain Studies of people with knee osteoarthritis have found that losing weight can reduce pain and improve movement and physical function. You do not need to reach an “ideal” weight to benefit. Many people notice improvements with a loss of about 5 to 10 percent of their body weight. More than just knee pain Easier daily movement. Stairs, walking and getting up from a seat can feel less of a struggle. More energy. Moving more becomes realistic, which supports a healthier routine. Better overall health. Weight loss can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. See our guide on high blood pressure. Better confidence and mood. Many people find they feel more able to do the things they enjoy. Gentle ways to start moving Walking on flat, even ground, in short sessions that you build up over time Swimming or water walking, which take pressure off the joints Stationary cycling with the seat at a comfortable height Simple strengthening exercises for the thighs and hips, which support the knees Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have ongoing pain. When to see a doctor about knee pain The pain is severe, sudden or follows an injury Your knee is swollen, red, warm or locks or gives way You can’t put weight on your leg Pain has lasted for several weeks or keeps getting worse Some knee problems need a specific diagnosis, so don’t assume weight is the only cause. Medical weight loss support in Commack If extra weight is limiting how you move, our medical weight loss program offers a full health evaluation, a personalized plan and regular follow-up. If you have struggled to lose weight, read 8 medical reasons diets don’t work. Frequently asked questions Will losing weight cure my knee pain? Not always, but it often reduces pain and improves movement, especially when pain is linked to osteoarthritis. Your doctor can tell you what to expect. How much weight do I need to lose to feel a difference? Many people notice improvements with a loss of about 5 to 10 percent of their body weight, though results differ. Is exercise safe if my knees hurt? Low-impact activities are usually a good choice, but check with your doctor first. Ready to take the pressure off your knees? Book an appointment online or call (631) 486-4834. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Results vary from person to person.

Starting a weight loss program can feel intimidating, especially if you have tried before. Knowing what happens at the first visit makes it easier to take that step. Here is what to expect. It starts with a conversation Your first visit isn’t about judgment. Your doctor will ask about your health history, your past attempts at weight loss, your daily routine and your goals. Being honest helps your doctor build a plan that fits your life. What usually happens at the first visit Health history review. Past and current conditions, family history, and any surgeries. Medication review. Some medicines can affect weight, so bring your list. Vital signs and measurements. Blood pressure, weight and other measurements to set a baseline. Tests when appropriate. Your doctor may order blood work or other checks based on your health. Goal setting. Realistic, measurable goals, not unrealistic targets. A personalized plan. This can cover nutrition, activity, sleep, stress and, when appropriate, medical treatment options your doctor discusses with you. What happens after the first visit Medical weight loss is a process, not a single appointment. You will have follow-up visits where your doctor checks your progress, adjusts your plan and answers your questions. Regular follow-up helps you stay on track and catch problems early. How to prepare Bring a list of your medications, vitamins and supplements Write down your weight history and what you have tried before Note any symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain or poor sleep Think about your goals: more energy, easier movement, better health numbers Write down your questions Questions to ask your doctor How will we measure progress, beyond the number on the scale? Which options are safe for my health history? What support will I have between visits? What happens if I hit a plateau? Medical weight loss at Primerose Medical P.C. Our medical weight loss program offers a comprehensive evaluation, a personalized plan, close monitoring and ongoing support. If you are wondering why weight loss has been hard, read 8 medical reasons diets don’t work. For weight-related joint pain, see how weight loss can help knee pain. Frequently asked questions Do I need a referral? Please call our office at (631) 486-4834 to confirm. You can also book online. Will I be judged for my weight? No. The visit is about understanding your health and supporting you. How long does the first visit take? It depends on your needs, so ask when you book. First visits are usually longer than follow-ups. Ready to take the first step? Book an appointment online or call (631) 486-4834. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Results vary from person to person.

You eat better, you move more, and the scale still won’t budge. It is frustrating, and it is easy to blame yourself. But weight isn’t only a matter of willpower. Medical factors can make weight loss much harder, and many of them can be identified and treated. 8 medical reasons weight loss can stall 1. Thyroid problems. An underactive thyroid can slow your metabolism and cause weight gain, tiredness and feeling cold. 2. Insulin resistance or prediabetes. When your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, it can be harder to lose weight and easier to gain it. 3. Hormonal changes. Menopause, perimenopause and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect weight and where it is stored. 4. Medications. Some medicines used for depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies or inflammation can contribute to weight gain. 5. Poor sleep or sleep apnea. Too little sleep raises hunger hormones, and untreated sleep apnea is linked to weight gain. 6. Chronic stress. Ongoing stress can increase appetite, cravings and emotional eating. Learn more about mental wellness support. 7. Loss of muscle with age. Muscle mass tends to decline over time, which can lower the calories you burn at rest. 8. Yo-yo dieting. Repeated crash diets can make it harder to keep weight off and leave you discouraged. Please don’t stop a medication on your own If you think a medicine is affecting your weight, talk to your doctor first. Stopping some medications suddenly can be harmful, and there may be safer alternatives. What a doctor can do Review your medical history, medications and family history Check your vital signs and measurements Order tests when they are appropriate, such as blood sugar or thyroid checks Build a plan around the cause, not a one-size-fits-all diet Signs it is time to get medical help You have tried several plans without lasting results You are gaining weight without a clear reason You also have fatigue, irregular periods, loud snoring or constant thirst You have a condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes Medical weight loss at Primerose Medical P.C. Our medical weight loss program begins with a full evaluation, followed by a personalized plan, close monitoring and ongoing support. If extra weight is also affecting your joints, read how weight loss can help knee pain. Frequently asked questions Is it normal for weight loss to plateau? Yes. A plateau is common, but if progress has stopped for weeks despite steady effort, a check-up can help find out why. Can a medical condition cause weight gain? Yes. Thyroid conditions, insulin resistance and hormonal changes are some examples, and your doctor can check for them. Tired of guessing what is holding you back? Book an appointment online or call (631) 486-4834. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Results vary from person to person.