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No. I will never recommend eliminating any major food groups from your diet, unless you have a specific allergy documented by reputable testing. Why? Because I have seen it time and time again where healthcare providers recommend elimination diets in addition to $1000’s of supplements only to confuse patients more. This can also open the door to disordered eating, where the patient is so confused about what they “should and should not” eat that they end up in a worse place.

Have you ever considered that how you feel may not even be related to your body size? Maybe your fatigue has to do with your sleep habits? Maybe your back pain is due to a bad office chair? Or, maybe your knee pain is because your muscles could use a little strengthening? The point is, we concentrate so much on the numbers on the scale, we failed to realize that literally ANYTHING else may be causing some of our health issues.

I am a weight neutral family nurse practitioner. I do not make you stand on a scale every time you come into my office. I always ask your permission to get your weight and only if necessary. I don’t automatically blame your weight for your health issues. I look at you as a whole person, not just a number on the scale.

Earlier in the day, I filled a prescription for a patient for a migraine medication. I had been providing samples to her that has worked wonders. Today she finally started her insurance and could get a prescription.

I am an eating disorder (ED) informed family nurse practitioner. I am sensitive to your history and always keep it in mind for treatment options. I am aware that your labs may look a little different than everyone else’s and that’s ok. I encourage intuitive eating and never any food restrictions.

If we are only looking at the number on the scale when we treat patients, then we are not honoring our promise to do no harm. Suppressing the appetite for someone who already under-eats is going to cause more problems in the end. We need a full lifestyle focused approach.