You have experienced all the known methods of fighting excess weight, but there is no result. My strength and motivation are plummeting. It seems that nothing will help and you need to accept it. The right way to get rid of excess weight is to consult a doctor. But now who just does not deal with the problem of weight loss, and services are not cheap. Where should I start?

Polina Koroleva, a dietitian and endocrinologist at the Atlas Clinic, has compiled a step-by-step guide for those who are determined to say goodbye to extra pounds. Don’t look at others, start examining yourself:

Step 1. See a therapist

When applying, ask for directions to:

• advanced blood chemistry test
• C-reactive protein
• homocysteine
• insulin levels
• clinical urinalysis
• blood sugar level
• lipid profile
• liver enzymes ALT, AST
• prolactin and testosterone levels*
• PSA level for men over 30 years of age
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and kidneys

* It is necessary to pass in case of violation of the menstrual cycle in women or a decrease in sexual desire, erectile dysfunction in men.

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A commercial clinic will prescribe all the tests at once and will be able to make an appointment for examination at a convenient time.

Estimated cost of research in commercial clinics for June 2022:

Please note that the prices shown in the table are valid for June 2022.

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In the state polyclinic, the doctor will focus on complaints and gradually prescribe examinations. Depending on the results of basic tests, it will assign others. If the doctor says that any of the tests are not included in the MHI policy, you can always call your insurance company and check. The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has developed clinical guidelines for obesity, according to which you are required to help with insurance. If this does not convince the doctor, send a complaint to the Federal Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

Appointments for examinations in the clinic will also have to wait longer. And if there is no ultrasound room, you will be sent to another medical institution.

With the results obtained, return to the therapist: he will prescribe treatment, or refer you to a narrow-profile specialist, for example, an endocrinologist.

Step 2. Nutritionist

With the results of tests, make an appointment with a nutritionist. Recommendations from the Internet are bad because they are averaged, outdated, or even false. During the examination, a professional will suggest a treatment plan or meal plan that is comfortable for you.

Step 3. Therapist

This specialist will help with an eating disorder, i.e. systematic overeating. It is good if you contact a commercial clinic that has both a psychotherapist and a nutritionist. They will not only make an individual weight loss plan and daily routine, but also provide psychological support.

What will happen after the consultation?

• • Lifestyle changes. The most effective method is if you are healthy according to the results of tests, but the reflection in the mirror pisses you off. With the support of a nutritionist and psychotherapist, you will achieve results as comfortably and effectively as possible.
  • Prescribe medication therapy. It is used for metabolic changes in the body. If you are healthy, but the new lifestyle does not help you lose weight, you may be prescribed medications.
  • They will offer surgical intervention. It is usually used for type 2 and 3 obesity. But when it comes to metabolic disorders, it is also used in the first degree.

Don’t ignore the problem or put it on hold. Being overweight is a serious problem that doctors urge you to fight, even if nothing hurts. Do not hesitate to ask for help from professionals to restore and maintain your health.