Did you know that one of the biggest health crises facing the United States right now is obesity? Obesity has been cited by the CDC as being a very serious, common and expensive disease. According to statistics, there are more than 70 million adults in the country who are considered obese, which is more than 40% of the adult population. It’s an alarming statistic and one that doctors have been sounding the alarm over for years now.
While there are many ways to combat obesity, one that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is hiring the help of personal trainers. This is where doctors can start to sway the public and have a positive effect on the health of adults, by encouraging patients to look into using a personal trainer. Let’s take a look at the steps and tips doctors could be using to highlight to patients just how essential personal trainers are in fighting obesity.
Doctors Need to Explain the Risks that Obesity Poses
Rather than simply diagnosing a patient as obese, there must be more education in this area. Adults need to understand what obesity means and the risks it poses to their overall health. Obese people are at higher risk of the following medical conditions and illnesses:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Gallbladder disease
- High cholesterol
- Mental illness
- Stroke
- Coronary heart disease
- Mobility issues (painful joints and muscles)
- Osteoarthritis
- Various cancers
- Breathing problems, which includes sleep apnea
And this is just a small list of the many risks that are associated with obesity. It’s these very issues that doctors need to make clear to their patients so they know what their life may look like without losing weight.
Show Compassion and Understanding to Patients
It’s also important to show compassion and understanding to patients. People don’t choose to be obese, and for many, it can be out of their control. They may feel quite helpless at their current weight and believe that weight loss isn’t even possible. Losing a few pounds is one thing, but when you have a large amount of weight to lose, it can be daunting and overwhelming. This is why it’s important to be compassionate with patients in this situation and let them know there is help available.
Explain What a Personal Trainer Does
This is the perfect opportunity for doctors to explain what personal trainers do. At the root of the profession, these trainers work with individuals to help them achieve their personal physical health goals – whatever those goals may be. But that’s not all; they assess each client individually, taking into consideration their health, and then work with them to set realistic goals and create a plan for reaching those goals. Personal trainers provide guidance, support, motivation and inspiration, which are often the keys to success.
Digging Deeper into What Personal Trainers Offer
Personal trainers don’t just help people set their goals; another important aspect of their job is that they know what exercises and routines are best to reach those goals. They can make changes where necessary, teach clients how to perform the exercises properly and safely, keep track of their progress and be that expert that is so helpful. Some personal trainers will also be able to work with clients where their diet is concerned. They can build a diet plan that meets the client’s nutritional needs while ensuring it doesn’t detract from their health goals.
These are trained professionals that take their job seriously and who take great pride in seeing their clients succeed. There is even insurance for personal trainers, which protects both the client and the trainer. The industry is huge and filled with qualified individuals that doctors can feel safe and secure in promoting.
Providing Patients with Valuable Information
Doctors want to see their patients healthy and happy, and for those who are obese, it means looking at ways they can start to lose weight and improve their well-being. A personal trainer could be exactly what patients need to help them on their journey, feel less intimidated with working out, setting goals and taking charge of their health. Encouraging the use of personal trainers can go a long way in health improvement.
