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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect some help from my GP in losing weight?

543 replies

Chubbychubchub · 27/02/2018 13:23

I am a fatty. Properly overweight. About 8 stone over normal weight range (about 19st, I should be 11st at most according to BMI).

Last year I had some health issues. My GP said I'd benefit from losing weight. Just eat less and move more were her words.

I have tried. However I struggle to control what I eat, and have zero willpower.

I did go to a well known slimming group previously. It made me ill, though I did get down to 13st. But it wasn't sustainable.

I asked my GP for help. I was told 'all they could do was refer me to the nurse, but she would tell me the same. That was all they could do and there was no other help available.

I have heard of people locally being referred to a dietician, or sent to slimming group for free etc. Aibu to expect something similar, or certainly some kind of help beyond trite advice?

OP posts:
SandyY2K · 27/02/2018 13:37

You need to specifically ask for a dietician referral. They don't do it automatically.

Google intermittent fasting. It has some very good results.

mikesh909 · 27/02/2018 13:37

What are the two foods you don't like, what would you prefer and in what way are the former incompatible with your lifestyle?

PersianCatLady · 27/02/2018 13:37

What do you want the GP to do for you??

CherryMaDeary · 27/02/2018 13:37

If a slimming group wasn't sustainable when you were paying for it, why would it become sustainable if the NHS are paying for it?

mikesh909 · 27/02/2018 13:37

Don't know where that two came from, ignore!

cornflakegirl · 27/02/2018 13:37

Wow! Some harsh replies on here!
I'm fat because I eat emotionally - when I'm tired, or stressed, or procrastinating. But I'm 20kg lighter than I was, because I'm learning how not to eat like that.

OP - I recommend this book www.amazon.co.uk/Eating-Less-Say-Goodbye-Overeating/dp/0091902479?tag=mumsnetforum-21 - it was recommended by several other people on here who had lost a lot of weight, and I found it really helpful.

Confusedbeetle · 27/02/2018 13:38

Recent discussion on the radio have suggested that slimming clubs can help you lose weight, but it goes on again. Similarly all the gadgety diets. Calorie counting even. They are suggesting it is really about total lifestyle changes for ever. Losing weight is notoriously difficult and too many people simplify and victim blame. There are many complex reasons people end up obese. Some doctors believe gastric bypass is the only answer- a bit controversial for me. I think if you look at your total lifestyle , food diaries and exercise, start my making one SMALL change you can make and sustain it for a month. Then add another. Slowly slowly. You didnt get to that weight in 6 months so you cant get it off in a short time

Bluntness100 · 27/02/2018 13:38

I don't understand, why were you eating food you dislike and doesn't fit in with your lifestyle. What were you eating? There is no diet that should force you to do this. Most are adaptable.

Also there are many exercise options, why did you pick running. It's notoriously hard on your joints. A walk at this stage would be more beneficial. A session at the gym with a personal trainer who can work out a gentle program for you.

Maybe tell us what you were eating? What you don't like?

Lollypop27 · 27/02/2018 13:39

What is it you actually want op? Do you want surgery? Can you afford to go to a class? I say this as an overweight person so don’t think I’m having a go at you.

It sucks to be fat and I would love to wake up tomorrow and be the perfect size but without willpower that’s not going to happen. Unfortunately the only place you can get willpower from is yourself. I paid for some therapy at the end of last year as I used food as a form of self harm (binging and sabotaging myself when loosing weight) would therapy help?

ribena71 · 27/02/2018 13:40

I saw a nurse at my gp when I was 5 stone overweight. She was quite happy for me to see her to just chat about my relationship with food in general, give me diet advice and to get weighed as often as I liked (even though I didn't want to go to a slimming club I still wanted the structure of a weigh-in!). I initially saw her once a week, then fortnightly, then monthly. She also made me a referral to the gym, which I can honestly say has changed my life. It might be worth you going to see the nurse at your go to see if there is any chance you could get the same service.

It took me just over a year to lose the weight and I've kept it off for nearly 2 years, which never happened for me when I went to slimming clubs, so there's hope! Good luck! Smile

Sidge · 27/02/2018 13:40

Not all areas offer SW/WW referrals.

In some, they can only refer people with a BMI over 35 if they also have diabetes, heart disease etc.

Ask for a referral to SW , or to the practice nurse dietician.

I have no idea what a practice nurse dietitian is - I'm a PN but I'm certainly not a dietitian and have never worked anywhere that has one!

7even · 27/02/2018 13:40

The NHS doesn't have will-power tablets for you. The Dr gave scientifically irrefutable and easily understandable advice.

"Aibu to expect [free slimming groups], or certainly some kind of help beyond trite advice?"

Yes. The NHS is fucked. If you're able to support being 19st then you clearly have enough money to pay for your own classes.

Small changes to a lifestyle are easy. How do you get to work? If by bus then walk one stop down the road and get it there. Use the stairs instead of the lift.

I feel incredibly frustrated that society is becoming about expecting things for free; either without expense or effort.

430West · 27/02/2018 13:41

I do sympathise with you to an extent OP, but this thread makes for difficult reading in light of NICE's recent decision not to fund life extending treatment for children with Batten's disease on cost grounds.

These families are going to actually lose their DC's far earlier than they potentially could because the NHS can't afford their treatment, yet you want to take up resources to fix a problem whose solution is already entirely within your power?

How do you feel about that?

Jengnr · 27/02/2018 13:42

If your GP isn’t helpful have a look at your local council. Ours is called the better living team.

I am half way through a free 12 week SW course and am losing weight steadily. I don’t feel deprived at all.

I’ve done SW before and it didn’t work for me because I wasn’t prepared to change my lifestyle. This time it’s paying off because I was ready and it’s made a big difference.

MsHarry · 27/02/2018 13:43

I have heard of people locally being referred to a dietician, or sent to slimming group for free etc.

Really? If you are an adult without special needs, then I think you need to crack on and take some responsibility for yourself. There is plenty of information on the NHS website.

Thursdaydreaming · 27/02/2018 13:44

Not sure what the dietician could tell you that you don't already know or could look up. You could join a program now, you don't need to wait for a doctor to tell you to join. Is the cost of SW or WW a problem for you? Sometimes they have good deals for new starters.

Dieting is really hard, there is no secret that a dietician, GP, or weight loss group can tell you. It's just hard work and putting up with being hungry.

My GP did help me though by prescribing appetite suppressants (duramine). Not sure if it's available in the UK but if it is get on it. It's controversial but it gives you a heat start.

pigshavecurlytails · 27/02/2018 13:44

It depends on the area. I'm a GP - these schemes come and go where I am. I used to be able to refer for 12 weeks free SW, now it's just to the dietician. so if there's nothing available in your area, then there's nothing the GP can do. However if your BMI is over 40, which it sounds like it is, you could be referred to a tier 3 obesity service which is the pathway to bariatric surgery, and you'll get lots of advice there. Alternatively if you comfort eat, ask your GP for the details or your local IAPT service which is CBT type counselling; or, as it's usually just self-referral, you could put "IAPT (your borough)" into google

pigshavecurlytails · 27/02/2018 13:45

My GP did help me though by prescribing appetite suppressants (duramine)

banned now, for very good safety reasons. please don't go down this route.

DownHereInTheHorridHouse · 27/02/2018 13:46

You can do MFP on your computer if you can't download it on your phone. It really helps and it's free - you could also get the Paul McKenna book/CD from your library. For me, that just switched off my appetite - honestly, it was incredible.

FreeNiki · 27/02/2018 13:47

Just eat less and move more were her words.

And that works. Ive lost nearly 2 stone doing exactly that.

By your own admission, you have no will power. There is nothing the NHS can do about that.

So why should they waste their money sending you to a dietician or pay for slimming world if the problem isn't can't but won't.

You just won't stop eating. Nothing anyone can do about that.

Raver84 · 27/02/2018 13:47

You don't need to run to loose weight if you are unable to start running again. Buy a dvd and exercise at home when you feel stronger a walk or run would be great. Fact is you need to eat less and exercise. Eat filling foods like porridge, eggs, veggies and grains and less cake, choc and carbs. It's that simple I'm afraid.

Dungeondragon15 · 27/02/2018 13:47

Not sure where you live but if you live in one of the area on this list, you may be eligible for the NHS diabetes prevention programme

www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/digital-innovations-to-support-diabetes-outcomes/nhs-diabetes-prevention-programme-digital-stream/

expatinscotland · 27/02/2018 13:47

It's all about getting something for free, basically, which is money thrown out the window since you have 'zero willpower', so it's no wonder such freebies are being cutback.

Beehivesandhoney · 27/02/2018 13:48

Ours refer to a fitness program. Not slimming world but an exercise one.

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 27/02/2018 13:49

What exactly do you think your GP can do that a slimming club can't? You are being ridiculous.