Please help - obesity and health concerns?

[Instant_Karma]

So, I've been obese for around 7 years now (I'm 23), and at the New Year I started my new healthy eating and exercise plan to lose weight.

I am worried about the damage these years have done to my body, and particularly concerned that I might now have endocrine problems, elevated insulin levels, high blood pressure, prediabetes, fatty liver, or a number of other obesity-related issues. I know that I have PCOS and this condition which is embarrassing, but could there be worse to come?

I am too ashamed to go to the GP at my current size (14st 9lbs) so my master plan is to go when I'm out of the obesity bracket (12st or below) and ask for diabetes screening, blood tests, blood pressure check etc - basically a full obesity-recovery health check. The thought of these things makes me incredibly scared - and what do I do if the GP refuses the tests for some reason? I can't imagine that I'll be able to just march up and say, "Hey, I used to be really fat, test me for XYZ now", but I need some peace of mind. Who should I speak to? Where can I have these tests?

Amy.

 

[Bigbear]

how about an appointment with the practice nurse? most GP surgeries have a nurse who specialises in diet and healthy living advice (check their website).

blood sugars, blood pressure all easy to check, the nurse can do this for you for reassurance. Otherwise, unless you have particular symptoms you're worried about, it sounds like you're doing the right thing to concentrate on losing weight.

good luck!!

What diet plan are you following?

 

[Instant_Karma]

For some reason I didn't think of the practice nurse, yes that's definitely a good idea. Also I Googled and found that Lloyds pharmacy do free diabetes screening and blood pressure checks so that might be an option too. I do want them to check for hormone issues as well. As for my plan, well I'm restricting my calorie intake to 1200 and swimming for one hour 6 times per week . So far I have lost 9lbs in 3 weeks (need to update ticker but I'm not sure one measly pound is worth it, haha).

 

[Bigbear]

pharmacy - yes great idea!!

Sounds like a good plan, both diet and exercise. Sounds like you are making great progress.

Have you see what a pound if fat lOoms like? It's huge!!!

Keep up the good work

 

[Estameme]

Losing just 10% of your body weight will really help with all those potential health problems, so you are well on your way. You are really young, your body will bounce back in unbelievable ways if you give it the chance, which you are doing!

I also think going going to the nurse would be a good idea, even if the numbers are to what you want them to be at least you'll know what you are dealing with and as you lose weight you'll see the benefits. Personally I think you'll be fine. You're tall, you aren't clinically obese and you are young. I was 20st+ in my mid twenties with no related health concerns. Obviously everyone is different though and only you know your body. Keep us updated!

 

[Instant_Karma]

Losing just 10% of your body weight will really help with all those potential health problems, so you are well on your way. You are really young, your body will bounce back in unbelievable ways if you give it the chance, which you are doing!

I also think going going to the nurse would be a good idea, even if the numbers are to what you want them to be at least you'll know what you are dealing with and as you lose weight you'll see the benefits. Personally I think you'll be fine. You're tall, you aren't clinically obese and you are young. I was 20st+ in my mid twenties with no related health concerns. Obviously everyone is different though and only you know your body. Keep us updated!

Hi Estameme, thankyou so much for this reply. I'm glad that I might still have time to reverse any issues if they do arise. I'm not tall though (5ft 3") and am definitely obese for my height (12st+ is considered obese at 5ft 3). To get out of the obese category and back into common-or-garden 'overweight' is my first main goal.

 

[Gamy]

You might be fine. I'm 5'5 and was 27st at my heaviest and I have no health issues at all. I get tested every pregnancy for various health conditions and these all come back fine. But if your worried get it checked out. The GP might be able to give you a 12 week gym membership if your obese also, which would really shift some weight.

 

[PrincessSparklePants]

Claire is right, 1lb is still massive!!


Welcome hun! PLEASE don't worry about visiting your doctor/nurse/pharmacy. They're there to help you and losing weight would be one of THE most important things that you can do for your body. They won't judge you! They've seen people much much bigger than you (like us!!) and want to help all. Worrying about what could be in the background will h ave a bad affect on you. Can you have a double appointment with anyone (doctor or nurse) and try and get it all out in one job lot? Yes you might be embarassed but the relief will be mindblowing!

You can do it love xx