By Madeleine Ortiz
Dr. Kristin Terenzi, a practicing family doctor in Canada, has been treating patients for almost thirty years. For those same thirty years, she also struggled with her weight. Dr. Terenzi says that she would work incredibly hard to lose weight and then watch herself gain the weight right back. She was stuck in a frustrating cycle of yo-yo dieting.
As difficult as it was for her to manage her weight, she couldn’t help but think of her patients. She saw how discouraged her patients were about their weight loss efforts, and she knew she had to start finding real solutions… and that is exactly what she did. Not only has she maintained a 30 lb weight loss for a little over three years, she is now happily helping patients find the same success.
According to a recent study done on obesity in Canada, 74% of people living with obesity think the management of their condition is their sole responsibility. The reality? “This is way more complicated than eat less and exercise more,” says Dr. Terenzi.
When we lose weight, Dr. Terenzi tells us, our body fights back. Our metabolism starts to slow down and the hormones that make us hungrier go UP. If we do manage to lose weight, our body immediately starts to try and put it back on. This reality is what makes obesity a chronic medical condition. In addition, Dr. Terenzi points out that our genetics, psychological factors, eating habits we developed as children, and even the way we;ve learned to cope with stress all affect our weight.
Changing our physiology may not be possible, but Dr. Terenzi promises that getting healthy is something that can be done. “I don’t want my patients to feel discouraged,” she says, “I want them to feel empowered to take control of their health.” The first step is talking to a healthcare provider. Currently, only half of people with obesity have discussed their weight with their healthcare provider. Dr. Terenzi knows part of this has to do with patients feeling shame, but she also suspects it’s because many providers are still treating patients based on old data.
If your doctor doesn’t believe managing weight is more than diet and exercise, if they’re saying that you just need more willpower, or they just don’t feel comfortable treating obesity – find a different doctor. “They’re out there,” insists Dr. Terenzi. They might not be easy to find, but there are healthcare providers that can not only offer tools and guidance, but also be a lifelong partner in weight management. Click here to find a weight specialist near you.
When we find the right provider, notes Dr. Terenzi, just one question can open up a long and important conversation about weight and obesity management… and learning is one of the biggest steps we can take towards getting healthy. It’s important to have a thorough conversation with a healthcare professional, because there’s no one technique that can fix everything and there’s no one solution that can help everyone. What worked for Dr. Terenzi and many of her patients, a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, may not work for everyone.
Dr. Terenzi even suggests calling the office prior to an appointment and letting the secretary know it might be a longer than average visit. That way it won’t feel rushed as treatment options are discussed. Ask about therapists, dietitians, cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, surgery, physiologists, support groups, online resources, and really anything else that comes to mind. Check with providers to see what might be covered and how treatment options can be made to work within a budget. Take notes and continue to research more at home. Feel confident, advises Dr. Terenzi – you are in charge of your health and your treatment journey.
Success is out there. Dr. Terenzi sees patients at her practice finding success every day. Countless patients who had spent years struggling, yo-yo dieting and who were ready to give up trying are now in control of their diabetes, for example. Others are virtually free of chronic knee pain or even able to become pregnant after being told they never could. And Dr. Terenzi herself is 30 lbs lighter and feeling healthier than ever before. “You can get a hold of the condition and you can lose the weight,” encourages Dr. Terenzi, “There is always a way. One pound at a time. Don’t give up. There is something that can be done.”
Dr. Terenzi’s Four Tips For A Successful Conversation With Your Doctor:
- Make sure you have enough time for the appointment – notify the secretary ahead of time that you may need additional time.
- Research your options. Know the science about what’s been proven to work and be ready to discuss with your doctor where you’d like to start.
- Once you have a plan of action with your doctor, figure out what will be covered and where you might be able to get assistance. Check out this Obesity Canada article for ideas.
- Stay persistent. If the initial conversation with your doctor or your insurance doesn’t go well, look for other options for getting the referrals or treatments you need.
Treatments That Have Been Proven To Work For Successful Long-Term Weight Management:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Meal Replacements with Medical Supervision
- Medications
- Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Terenzi is a physician who specializes in weight management, and she’s listed in our physician locator. You can use it to find Dr. Terenzi or a physician near you who focuses on helping people reach a healthier weight here.
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This article was sponsored by Novo Nordisk Canada. All content is created independently by My Weight – What To Know with no influence from Novo Nordisk.
