Overweight Medical Students

[jcr_massage]

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I was just wondering of any of you have an opinion on this. A good friend of mine is also a pre-med student who will be applying this summer for medical school. She recently shadowed a doctor and at the end of the day he told her; You probably won't get into medical school, because of your obesity. Now certainly I can understand the theory behind this statement......it's like asking an overweight doctor how to lose weight. However she is very distraught now and I simply do not know allot about med school acceptances to console her.
In her defense, she is actually a pretty healthy girl who eats extremely well and exercises at least 4x per week. However a year ago when she became frustrated because no matter what she ate (or didn't eat) and no matter how much she exercised she could not lose weight and she did not ovulate. She finally sought out a doctors advice who sent her to an endocrinologist and she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome based on an abnormally high insulin to glucose ratio as well as elevated free testosterone levels. She began medication (Glucophage, even though she is not diabetic) and allot has improved, she no longer seems to just gain weight for no reason, her adult acne has almost disappeared and she finally ovulates again.......but she continues to struggle to lose weight.
How do you guys feel about overweight people applying to medical school. Do you think that it will effect her application and acceptance? Outside of this fact she is an excellent candidate with a 3.7 GPA and a 33 MCAT and she has worked in a hospital for years either volunteering or doing small paid jobs in the summer. I really hope it is not a problem for her, but I thought I would ask what everyone on SDN thinks? I know one 4th year med student now who is very obese but she says the reason she didn't get into any school that she wanted to was not because she was obese but because she didn't study for the MCAT and had less than stellar scores.

Any opinions would be helpful
Blessings
Bodyworksweety

 

[OSUdoc08]

I was just wondering of any of you have an opinion on this. A good friend of mine is also a pre-med student who will be applying this summer for medical school. She recently shadowed a doctor and at the end of the day he told her; You probably won't get into medical school, because of your obesity. Now certainly I can understand the theory behind this statement......it's like asking an overweight doctor how to lose weight. However she is very distraught now and I simply do not know allot about med school acceptances to console her.
In her defense, she is actually a pretty healthy girl who eats extremely well and exercises at least 4x per week. However a year ago when she became frustrated because no matter what she ate (or didn't eat) and no matter how much she exercised she could not lose weight and she did not ovulate. She finally sought out a doctors advice who sent her to an endocrinologist and she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome based on an abnormally high insulin to glucose ratio as well as elevated free testosterone levels. She began medication (Glucophage, even though she is not diabetic) and allot has improved, she no longer seems to just gain weight for no reason, her adult acne has almost disappeared and she finally ovulates again.......but she continues to struggle to lose weight.
How do you guys feel about overweight people applying to medical school. Do you think that it will effect her application and acceptance? Outside of this fact she is an excellent candidate with a 3.7 GPA and a 33 MCAT and she has worked in a hospital for years either volunteering or doing small paid jobs in the summer. I really hope it is not a problem for her, but I thought I would ask what everyone on SDN thinks? I know one 4th year med student now who is very obese but she says the reason she didn't get into any school that she wanted to was not because she was obese but because she didn't study for the MCAT and had less than stellar scores.

Any opinions would be helpful
Blessings
Bodyworksweety

We've got some pretty fat people in my class.

I always see them eating donuts too.

 

[jcr_massage]

We've got some pretty fat people in my class.

I always see them eating donuts too.

LOL......Be Nice! Some people find comfort in eating and perhaps that is how they are coping through med school. But I can definately say that she does not eat donuts or really anything that she deems really bad. Certainly she has the occasional more indulging meal at a restauraunt but no sweets and mostly all pretty good things. But that's not the point.......just if med school will weigh it in their decision because she is overweight?

Thanks for your info though

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

 

[OSUdoc08]

LOL......Be Nice! Some people find comfort in eating and perhaps that is how they are coping through med school. But I can definately say that she does not eat donuts or really anything that she deems really bad. Certainly she has the occasional more indulging meal at a restauraunt but no sweets and mostly all pretty good things. But that's not the point.......just if med school will weigh it in their decision because she is overweight?

Thanks for your info though

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

If you can't take care of yourself, then how can you take of others?

Comfort?

I like to find comfort in people....and these people find comfort in twinkies. How sad.

 

[Beau Geste]

I was just wondering of any of you have an opinion on this. A good friend of mine is also a pre-med student who will be applying this summer for medical school. She recently shadowed a doctor and at the end of the day he told her; You probably won't get into medical school, because of your obesity. Now certainly I can understand the theory behind this statement......it's like asking an overweight doctor how to lose weight. However she is very distraught now and I simply do not know allot about med school acceptances to console her.
In her defense, she is actually a pretty healthy girl who eats extremely well and exercises at least 4x per week. However a year ago when she became frustrated because no matter what she ate (or didn't eat) and no matter how much she exercised she could not lose weight and she did not ovulate. She finally sought out a doctors advice who sent her to an endocrinologist and she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome based on an abnormally high insulin to glucose ratio as well as elevated free testosterone levels. She began medication (Glucophage, even though she is not diabetic) and allot has improved, she no longer seems to just gain weight for no reason, her adult acne has almost disappeared and she finally ovulates again.......but she continues to struggle to lose weight.
How do you guys feel about overweight people applying to medical school. Do you think that it will effect her application and acceptance? Outside of this fact she is an excellent candidate with a 3.7 GPA and a 33 MCAT and she has worked in a hospital for years either volunteering or doing small paid jobs in the summer. I really hope it is not a problem for her, but I thought I would ask what everyone on SDN thinks? I know one 4th year med student now who is very obese but she says the reason she didn't get into any school that she wanted to was not because she was obese but because she didn't study for the MCAT and had less than stellar scores.

Any opinions would be helpful
Blessings
Bodyworksweety

The bottom line is that there is more going in than coming out. Even if your friend had the polycystic issue, weight is ultimately governed by caloric intake vs. output.

I'm not meaning to sound harsh, but if anyone should know, it would be me. I had my thyroid removed and ablated due to cancer before I was even 20. My weight skyrocketed (and I had a lump in my throat the size of a golfball) before we know what was going on. In my high school days, I was a good athlete, and could eat anything I wanted. After the surgery and radiation, that was out the window. Now I control everything via medication, but I have to watch what I eat and work out twice as hard to keep the weight undercontrol. It sucks, but my body's needs are just different. I know by what I put in my mouth and how much whether I'm going to see a change in the scale.

With obesity, for the most part, there is obvious indication of an unhealthy lifestyle. How would a patient that is 20-30 pounds overweight, not obese, feel if their obese doctor told them to lose weight? It's just not very realistic to go into a profession that requires you to have the best interest of your patient in mind when you don't have your own best interest in mind.

Would you go to a doctor who smoked like a chimney or that you knew was an alcoholic or drug abuser? (I'm not saying they are the same thing, but they are lifestyle choices, for the most part)

There is a very small percentage of obese people who are obese beyond their control. 30 years ago there were significantly less obese people, so obviously it IS a lifestyle issue.

I hope your friend has all the luck with her condition, and it sounds like she is in the very small percentage that has a medical cause for obesity.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Of course no med school will say they discriminate based on weight. I mean if they were to do that, you could make the argument that they, in turn, wouldn't want to hire people with diabetes II because that can also be the result of a lifestyle. Medical schools cannot legally be that discriminating, just like an employer cannot be.

However, people are people. People have all kinds of crazy stereotypes in their mind. For example, many employers will not hire people of a certain skin color or who are overweight just for that reason. People associate overweightness with unprofessionalism, laziness, and low intelligence. Of course, those are all just stereotypes, however they do exist.

So, med school adcoms may subconciously be influenced by the overweight candidates, due to these stereotypes. Why does ERAS require a photo for residency placement? Why do most undergrads require a photo on the application? Because a photo gives people a good sense of what you are like. Unfortunately, the overweight factor may trigger some bias stereotypes.

 

[Plinko]

There are lot of obese people in my class. I've never heard of it affecting adcomms decisions. Most people gain a few pound in medical school-15 pounds myself. In the first two years you study so much it is hard to find ways to be consistently active. Third year clinicals are worse. Try finding the time to work out when you are on your surgery rotation and have 18 hour days for two months straight.

As for myself, I've had doctors who smoked (you could smell it all over them), were obese, etc. and they all treated me with the highest standard of care. Medicine is not the clergy. A doctor's life is not a testimonial to his/her patients. It's a personal choice entirely separate from their professional lives. With all the info that is available to the public, if a person smokes, drinks in excess, and eats themeselve to a BMI of 50, despite what their over-eating, smoking, and drinking doctor tells them, they have no one to blame but themselves for their no doubt many future ailments.

 

[theunderdog]

There are lot of obese people in my class. I've never heard of it affecting adcomms decisions. Most people gain a few pound in medical school-15 pounds myself. In the first two years you study so much it is hard to find ways to be consistently active. Third year clinicals are worse. Try finding the time to work out when you are on your surgery rotation and have 18 hour days for two months straight.

As for myself, I've had doctors who smoked (you could smell it all over them), were obese, etc. and they all treated me with the highest standard of care. Medicine is not the clergy. A doctor's life is not a testimonial to his/her patients. It's a personal choice entirely separate from their professional lives. With all the info that is available to the public, if a person smokes, drinks in excess, and eats themeselve to a BMI of 50, despite what their over-eating, smoking, and drinking doctor tells them, they have no one to blame but themselves for their no doubt many future ailments.

nah man.

if you ever become a doctor, you should lead by example.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Yea, but what does everybody consider obese? Twenty pounds, 30 pounds, etc? If some is 20 pounds overweight but works out 4x a week then I would say they are healthier than someone who is at the perfect weight but eats all fried foods and NEVER works out. Outward appearance is not an indication of one's health. However, I understand we are talking about people who are obese and the affect it has on admissions decisions. Personally, I do not think it makes a difference.

 

[JO300]

I do not think her wieght will affect her chance. she has a good chance with her GPA and MCAT.

 

[JonnyG]

man thats doctors comments are a sure fire way to give someone anorexia or bulemia. We have several large people in our class, so I don't think it is a problem.

 

[OSUdoc08]

man thats doctors comments are a sure fire way to give someone anorexia or bulemia. We have several large people in our class, so I don't think it is a problem.

Gotta love getting them as partners in OMM.


Pelvic muscle energy is always a treat.

 

[Static Line]

Gotta love getting them as partners in OMM.


Pelvic muscle energy is always a treat.

Fat people are the reason I got out of EMS after 10 years. It seems some of them followed me to med school. I am sure she will fit right in. Tell her to apply.

 

[JO300]

Fat people are the reason I got out of EMS after 10 years. It seems some of them followed me to med school. I am sure she will fit right in. Tell her to apply.

I do not think it is nice to say "fat people"
I believe saying overweight person is more appropriate.

 

[scpod]

Outward appearance is not an indication of one's health. However, I understand we are talking about people who are obese and the affect it has on admissions decisions. Personally, I do not think it makes a difference.

Yet, a large part of medicine is still the "good ol' boys" club. If there is one seat left in the class and the choices are "the fat girl" or the "blonde with big boobs", which do you think gets the seat?

 

[PlasticMan]

I do not think it is not nice to say "fat people"
I believe saying overweight person is more appropriate.

Double negative; so you think it is nice to say "fat people" ? 😀

 

[PlasticMan]

Yet, a large part of medicine is still the "good ol' boys" club. If there is one seat left in the class and the choices are "the fat girl" or the "blonde with big boobs", which do you think gets the seat?

The blonde b/c she won't steal your chips when you're looking the other way 😀

 

[dr.z]

I do not think her wieght will affect her chance. she has a good chance with her GPA and MCAT.

I think she'll be fine.

 

[Static Line]

I do not think it is not nice to say "fat people"
I believe saying overweight person is more appropriate.

I am not a nice person.

My point is the f*@ people followed me to school and she has good numbers so she will be fine.

 

[PlasticMan]

If caloric intake is lower than what her body is using for energy, it's impossible to gain weight; basic physics. Regardless, if your friend is serious about weight loss, it is possible to lose alot of bodyfat quickly. Besides proper excercise and diet, there are several medications out there that work nicely for dropping bodyfat quickly. Look up info on some bodybuilding forums if you want or IM me for some more info on meds she can try. Look at bodybuilders; they go from being obese in the off season to 4% bodyfat over the course of several months in time for contest time! So it is possible if she is serious about fat loss; tell her not to give up hope!

 

[Plinko]

nah man.

if you ever become a doctor, you should lead by example.

I will be in four months. I assume your status is a little father down the trough? Should you ever be a patient in an ER somewhere and are bleeding out, I guarantee that you will not give a rat's ass what your doc's BMI is, but rather what he/she's capabilities are.

When you do your clinicals and end up seeing your thousandth patient, you will learn that people are going to do what they are going to do. I am still, and no doubt will continue to be throughout my career, amazed at how patients neglect their health. I recently had a patient who was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, forgot about it, and is now in the hospital. The only reason she is in the hospital is because she was asked to leave her job because the necrotic tissue that had extended from the mass found its way to the epidermis and the smell was so bad that her co-workers complained. On PE so much tissue had been lost from her chest wall that it appeared as though she had been shot in the chest with a twelve gauge shotgun at close range. This is an extreme case but I could go on and on with similar stories. Most of the time the doctor's interest in a patient's health status is greater than the patient's.

Point is, what a doctor does in his/her own life is probably the least important factor as to whether or not a patient undertakes true lifestyle modication. Hardly any doctors smoke cigarettes, yet the long term (>1 year) success rate of smoking cessation is 9% despite several medical and non-medical approaches.

BTW, one of the best doctors I have ever seen, one of my IM attendings, is severely obese. Should any of my loved ones need medical care, he'd be the first one I'd call.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I do not think it is nice to say "fat people"
I believe saying overweight person is more appropriate.

Nah. Fat people is more insulting, therefore it is more appropriate.

They deserve to be made fun of for eating twinkies while driving to the candy store.

 

[XKV]

Wow - her grades and GPA seem pretty good. She should apply anyway.
Don't a lot of medical students put on weight during medical school anyway? My cousin and his girlfriends put on about 40-50 pounds each during their four years in school. Your friend might be the norm by graduation time.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Wow - her grades and GPA seem pretty good. She should apply anyway.
Don't a lot of medical students put on weight during medical school anyway? My cousin and his girlfriends put on about 40-50 pounds each during their four years in school. Your friend might be the norm by graduation time.

I started med school at 185 lbs.

I am currently 160.

This one chick in my class got fat but got lipo. She calls herself "Dr. Barbie."

 

[PlasticMan]

I started med school at 185 lbs.

I am currently 160.

This one chick in my class got fat but got lipo. She calls herself "Dr. Barbie."

Ahh, the wonders of plastic surgery 👍 If she is calling herself Dr. Barbie, I hope she has breast augmentation and botox lips as well? 🙂

 

[Dr Trek 1]

That's why I am practicing not exercising now, before med school, so that my body will already be accustomed to it, hehe.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Ahh, the wonders of plastic surgery 👍 If she is calling herself Dr. Barbie, I hope she has breast augmentation and botox lips as well? 🙂

Nope. She needs alot more work done.

She wants to be a plastic surgeon herself, and has a pink Dr. bag.

 

[OSUdoc08]

That's why I am practicing not exercising now, before med school, so that my body will already be accustomed to it, hehe.

Exactly.

I haven't exercised a day since i started med school, but I didn't do it in college either.

I just quit eating desserts and lost 25 lbs over the past 2 years.

 

[Taus]

My brain doesn't seem to function at max capacity unless I exercise.....though the length of time I spend is way down.....managing at least 3 times a week of weights/running for about an hour combined has kept me sane (and only slightly above normal wt) during MSI so far...

I should add that starting a workout routine for the first time in your life while during med school seems unlikely....but if has been a big part of your life for many years (as it has for me) many just don't feel "normal" without it. Not to mention that I get to take my med school frustrations out on the weights and not someones face..jk jk...

In all seriousness, and regarding the OP's question, there are some very obese people in my class, but they are in the extreme minority. I would assume that most (but not all) people who have had no regard for their health during most of their life are just not inclined towards careers in health....but thats just my opinion... Some people do have legit medical reasons as to why they are obese, but for the majority it is lifestyle...

Whether there is discrimination about this in the application process.....very tough to tell.....just don't let it discourage your friend from applying

 

[cfdavid]

Yea, but what does everybody consider obese? Twenty pounds, 30 pounds, etc? If some is 20 pounds overweight but works out 4x a week then I would say they are healthier than someone who is at the perfect weight but eats all fried foods and NEVER works out. Outward appearance is not an indication of one's health. However, I understand we are talking about people who are obese and the affect it has on admissions decisions. Personally, I do not think it makes a difference.

very true.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I just quit eating desserts and lost 25 lbs over the past 2 years.

that works when you're a 20 something year old guy, but weight loss requires more vigilent effort for some of us, unfortunately. 🙁

 

[OSUdoc08]

that works when you're a 20 something year old guy, but weight loss requires more vigilent effort for some of us, unfortunately. 🙁

OK. So exercise all of you old people.

I'm gonna sit on my behind and watch TV all day thank you.

Either way you shouldn't be eating desserts.

 

[Taus]

Even as a 20 something year old guy, it takes a lot of effort and healthy eating to maintain my bodyweight where I like it.....after being a very obese kid I can seemingly gain weight through osmosis by looking at a krispy kreme...

 

[OSUdoc08]

Even as a 20 something year old guy, it takes a lot of effort and healthy eating to maintain my bodyweight where I like it.....after being a very obese kid I can seemingly gain weight through osmosis by looking at a krispy kreme...

I'm 5'10" & 23

I was 210 my freshman year in college

I cut out sodas, desserts, and fast food (mostly)

I'm 160 now

I don't exercise

I've maintained the 160 since August

 

[HunterGatherer]

If caloric intake is lower than what her body is using for energy, it's impossible to gain weight; basic physics. Regardless, if your friend is serious about weight loss, it is possible to lose alot of bodyfat quickly. Besides proper excercise and diet, there are several medications out there that work nicely for dropping bodyfat quickly. Look up info on some bodybuilding forums if you want or IM me for some more info on meds she can try. Look at bodybuilders; they go from being obese in the off season to 4% bodyfat over the course of several months in time for contest time! So it is possible if she is serious about fat loss; tell her not to give up hope!

LOL! Bodybuilders also use a host of drugs to accomplish this. A lot of them are unconventional, unsafe, and sometimes illegal. Are you going to suggest her purchase blackmarket drugs?

It takes a lot of self-control/discipline to get on a program and stay the course. Even with the help of exercise, diet, and drugs someone will go back to square one without modifying their behavior or way of thinking.

 

[Taus]

Good for you, be happy that you are so fortunate and have the self control/motivation to stick to a healthy diet. Many people just don't have that mindset and/or don't know what "healthy diet" means. I was a nutrition major in college and never realized how little the general public knows about good basic nutrition.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I'm 5'10" & 23

I was 210 my freshman year in college

I cut out sodas, desserts, and fast food (mostly)

I'm 160 now

I don't exercise

I've maintained the 160 since August

congratualations! Why were you 210? 🙄

Hopefully you are not one of the unlucky ones that has a dramatic change in metabolism at 30. 👍

 

[OSUdoc08]

congratualations! Why were you 210? 🙄

I ate 3 cookies or 2 ice cream sandwiches every day for lunch in high school.

The only sport I did was marching band.

I also drank gallons of Coke.

 

[Taus]

Its kind of funny to hear people galk at 210 for a 5'10" male... ..I couldn't get that low unless I dropped down to like 5% bodyfat....im also 5'10", but currently sitting around 230ish and around 15% bf...I have fairly athletic backround including powerlifting and wrestling....so I would look emaciated at 160....the lowest I ever went for a powerlifting event was 185 and I had veins in my abs at the time (not to mention no energy)...

Your weight loss and dedication are impressive Osudoc...not many people have accomplished a feat like that...it would be kinda cool if you could take a look at your blood profile then and now...

 

[PlasticMan]

LOL! Bodybuilders also use a host of drugs to accomplish this. A lot of them are unconventional, unsafe, and sometimes illegal. Are you going to suggest her purchase blackmarket drugs?

However she obtains them is her own business; I was simply going to offer some suggestions for weight loss. Of course she needs to research it on her own and consult a physician before she decides on doing anything.

 

[Static Line]

Its kind of funny to hear people galk at 210 for a 5'10" male... ..I couldn't get that low unless I dropped down to like 5% bodyfat....im also 5'10", but currently sitting around 230ish and around 15% bf...I have fairly athletic backround including powerlifting and wrestling....so I would look emaciated at 160....the lowest I ever went for a powerlifting event was 185 and I had veins in my abs at the time (not to mention no energy)...

Your weight loss and dedication are impressive Osudoc...not many people have accomplished a feat like that...it would be kinda cool if you could take a look at your blood profile then and now...

I have been completly sedentary since med school started but I have lost 20 lbs since August. Solely diet controlled, I don't exercise.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I ate 3 cookies or 2 ice cream sandwiches every day for lunch in high school.

The only sport I did was marching band.

I also drank gallons of Coke.

wow! i ate fast food for lunch every day in high school and drank a ton of soda, so i guess i was with you on the healthy diet. 🙂 the coke thing is amazing because people consume so many calories from drinking a few cokes throughout the day. a 20 oz bottle of coke is 300 calories -- it's insane how much of that people drink.

for the op, has your friend started losing weight since her diagnosis and medication? i know pcos makes it a lot harder to lose weight, but it should be possible for her to get down to a healthy weight. she probably can get in, but she is going to face some subtle discrimination because of her weight.

 

[jcr_massage]

If caloric intake is lower than what her body is using for energy, it's impossible to gain weight; basic physics. Regardless, if your friend is serious about weight loss, it is possible to lose alot of bodyfat quickly. Besides proper excercise and diet, there are several medications out there that work nicely for dropping bodyfat quickly. Look up info on some bodybuilding forums if you want or IM me for some more info on meds she can try. Look at bodybuilders; they go from being obese in the off season to 4% bodyfat over the course of several months in time for contest time! So it is possible if she is serious about fat loss; tell her not to give up hope!

Since I am an Exercise Science major........I certainly understand the concept of how to lose weight. However I would like to point out that football players and bodybuilders often have what the medical community considers to be an unhealthy BMI due to the fact that they have more muscle mass......and as we all know muscle weighs more than fat. I'm sure their Fat composition is a different story here. High Testosterone in female patients with PCOS can effect male pattern muscle mass. PCOS patients have been known to have free testosterone levels as high as a 18 year old boys. Now add to it the normal estrogen of a female which promotes weight in the midsection and you have increased muscle mass in male pattern areas (quads, biceps etc) and increased fat deposition in midsection due to the estrogen as well as the abnormally high insulin to glucose ratio. This presents as a unhealthy "fat" person who really exercises quite a bit.......stererotypes never work....there is always an exception....... and according to my best friends endocrinologist this condition presents the exception......

BY THE WAY OSUDOC.....the fat comments got old really quick lighten up, Iim sure that anyone could rip apart your appearance also....don't play into the degradation of women by conforming to stereotypical and might I add "significantly immature for a professional" comments.

BODYWORKSWEETY

 

[jcr_massage]

I am not a nice person.

My point is the f*@ people followed me to school and she has good numbers so she will be fine.

Bottom line you are incredibly immature especially considering you are going into a people serving field. I'm sure you will be an absolute joy for your patients, hope to never witness your bediside manner!

BODYWORKSWEETY

 

[OSUdoc08]

Since I am an Exercise Science major........I certainly understand the concept of how to lose weight. However I would like to point out that football players and bodybuilders often have what the medical community considers to be an unhealthy BMI due to the fact that they have more muscle mass......and as we all know muscle weighs more than fat. I'm sure their Fat composition is a different story here. High Testosterone in female patients with PCOS can effect male pattern muscle mass. PCOS patients have been known to have free testosterone levels as high as a 18 year old boys. Now add to it the normal estrogen of a female which promotes weight in the midsection and you have increased muscle mass in male pattern areas (quads, biceps etc) and increased fat deposition in midsection due to the estrogen as well as the abnormally high insulin to glucose ratio. This presents as a unhealthy "fat" person who really exercises quite a bit.......stererotypes never work....there is always an exception....... and according to my best friends endocrinologist this condition presents the exception......

BY THE WAY OSUDOC.....the fat comments got old really quick lighten up, Iim sure that anyone could rip apart your appearance also....don't play into the degradation of women by conforming to stereotypical and might I add "significantly immature for a professional" comments.

BODYWORKSWEETY

You can rationalize being fat all you want, but I guarantee you these people that can't lose weight are sneaking ding dongs and cookies.

 

[jcr_massage]

for the op, has your friend started losing weight since her diagnosis and medication? i know pcos makes it a lot harder to lose weight, but it should be possible for her to get down to a healthy weight. she probably can get in, but she is going to face some subtle discrimination because of her weight.[/QUOTE]


Yes once she began medication she started to lose weight naturally. She started out at about 250 and has lost about 50 pounds (yes in about a year). But that was bound to happen when her hormones started to level out and considering her exercise routine. She has hit a wall now and cannot seem to lose anymore, she is by no means thin but she is pretty active, and I would kill for that girls calves, she walks so much that they look awesome. It's just her midsection that she has the problem with.

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

 

[jcr_massage]

Good luck when you begin being pimped as a medical student. If you complain about being "offended," you won't last very long at all.

I have several friends who are doctors and two who are still in rotations. All of them have told me that while being made to do things that you feel are beneath you sucks......people don't degrade appearances. Obviously if they did they would be sued.

But that actually has nothing to do with the fact that you are going to be a doctor and your attitudes toward the public which by the way the majority of in this nation is obese is horrible. How can you go into a people serving field with such a callous approach? You will be one of those doctors who decides on a diagnosis before actually talking to a patient and only pretends to hear what they are saying..........let all bow down in awe or your godliness "and sophmoric" behavior. You will deal with allot of obese patients as a doctor, if you treat them all poorly you won;t last long either!

Bodyworksweety

 

[OSUdoc08]

I have several friends who are doctors and two who are still in rotations. All of them have told me that while being made to do things that you feel are beneath you sucks......people don't degrade appearances. Obviously if they did they would be sued.

But that actually has nothing to do with the fact that you are going to be a doctor and your attitudes toward the public which by the way the majority of in this nation is obese is horrible. How can you go into a people serving field with such a callous approach? You will be one of those doctors who decides on a diagnosis before actually talking to a patient and only pretends to hear what they are saying..........let all bow down in awe or your godliness "and sophmoric" behavior. You will deal with allot of obese patients as a doctor, if you treat them all poorly you won;t last long either!

Bodyworksweety

Sued on what grounds?

Don't propose to know about how I diagnose my patients, just because I don't think they take care of themselves properly.

 

[PlasticMan]

You can rationalize being fat all you want, but I guarantee you these people that can't lose weight are sneaking ding dongs and cookies.

I tend to agree unfortunately... 🙁

 

[PlasticMan]

Since I am an Exercise Science major........I certainly understand the concept of how to lose weight. However I would like to point out that football players and bodybuilders often have what the medical community considers to be an unhealthy BMI due to the fact that they have more muscle mass......and as we all know muscle weighs more than fat. I'm sure their Fat composition is a different story here. High Testosterone in female patients with PCOS can effect male pattern muscle mass. PCOS patients have been known to have free testosterone levels as high as a 18 year old boys. Now add to it the normal estrogen of a female which promotes weight in the midsection and you have increased muscle mass in male pattern areas (quads, biceps etc) and increased fat deposition in midsection due to the estrogen as well as the abnormally high insulin to glucose ratio. This presents as a unhealthy "fat" person who really exercises quite a bit.......stererotypes never work....there is always an exception....... and according to my best friends endocrinologist this condition presents the exception......

It may very well be harder for her with all this going against her, but even so, with enough willpower, I'm sure she can lose weight. I have some experience since I bulk and then slim down annually; if she wants some tips from the bodybuilding point of view, I may be able to give some weight loss tips. I might have some knowledge to help her, but I'm not gonna post it here as some may oppose the methods. IM me if you want more info. I'll help what I can.