Weight management is a lifelong process. Many people struggle with their weight and health for years before they finally decide to seek professional help. When you’ve tried every diet and exercise program without success, it might be time to see a doctor for weight loss. Many types of doctors can help if you’re struggling to lose weight. Your primary care physician is an excellent place to start. They can rule out any underlying health conditions and develop a plan to help you lose weight safely. You can also visit specialists, such as endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Each has its specialty and focus, and choosing the right doctor is essential.
Let’s talk about the types of doctors you can approach for weight loss-related problems and where you can find the best one if you are located in Kennesaw, GA.
Primary Care Physicians
Your primary care physician is an excellent place to start. They can help you determine if you have any underlying health conditions contributing to weight gain. They can also recommend lifestyle changes and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
The following are examples of primary care physicians:
- General practitioners
- Internists
- Family medicine physicians
What They Do
Primary care physicians focus on prevention and general wellness. They can help you develop a healthy lifestyle plan that includes a nutritious diet and regular exercise. They can also prescribe medications to help you lose weight if necessary.
When to See Them
If you’re struggling to lose weight and don’t know where to start, your primary care physician can help you. They can help you rule out any underlying health conditions and develop a plan to help you lose weight safely.
Endocrinologists
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in hormone disorders. If your weight gain is due to a hormonal imbalance, an endocrinologist can help. They can prescribe medication to correct the imbalance and help you lose weight.
What They Do
They can help you lose weight by treating conditions that cause hormonal imbalances, such as:
- Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland
- Cushing’s syndrome – overproduction of the hormone cortisol
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – hormone imbalance, causing irregular periods, excess hair growth, and fertility problems
When to See Them
See an endocrinologist if you think your weight gain may be due to a hormonal imbalance. They can test for hormone disorders and prescribe medication to help you lose weight.
Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in digestive disorders. They can prescribe medication to treat the condition and help you lose weight.
What They Do
They can help you by treating conditions that cause digestive problems, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – causes abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion
- Celiac disease – an autoimmune disorder that damages the lining of the small intestine, causing digestive problems
- Crohn’s disease – a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss
When to See Them
See a gastroenterologist if you think your weight gain may be due to a digestive disorder. They can test for digestive disorders and prescribe medication to help you manage your weight.
Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Psychologists and psychiatrists specialize in mental health. They can help if your weight gain is due to an emotional issue, such as depression or stress. They can provide counseling and medication to help you lose weight.
What They Do
Psychologists and psychiatrists can help you lose weight by treating conditions that cause emotional problems, such as:
- Depression – causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue
- Anxiety – causes feelings of worry, stress, and nervousness
- Binge eating disorder – causes people to eat large amounts of food in a short period
- Bulimia nervosa – causes people to binge-eat and then purge the food by vomiting or using laxatives
When to See Them
See a mental health professional if you think your weight gain may be due to an emotional issue. They can provide counseling and medication to help you with your condition.
Weight Loss Doctor in Kennesaw, GA
