PA
A 32-year-old female asked:
what would u say to obese patient who wants 2 exercise 2 improve heart health/lose weight, but doesn't due to a phobia about having heart attack? :(
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Phobia treatment: I would suggest to this person that treatment for phobias and other anxiety disorders is very possible and could be lifesaving. Has your primary care physician (and maybe also your cardiologist) evaluated your cardiovascular health and made suggestions for you? Have they cleared you for a gradual exercise program? Those are important steps -- and also working with a therapist on your anxiety.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeff Blixtanswered
Addiction Medicine 24 years experience
See your doctor: Get a physical, clearance to begin an exercise program. See a nutritionist, and perhaps even a counselor.
Medications may be appropriate as well.
Basically, you don't have to figure all this out on your own. Getting these fearful thoughts out of your head with someone else does wonders for getting over them. Fears in the head cause anxiety, food can be a way to ease that anxiety. You can do it.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lawrence Smithanswered
Clinical Psychology 30 years experience
Get unstuck: Sometimes people don't exercise because they accept a specious argument against exercising. If there's a fear of a heart attack, i'd suggest a medical evaluation and clearance to exercise. If the fear persists, counseling can help. In reality, the risk of heart attack is greater from lack of exercise. Good luck!
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Mar 3, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$30 per visit with
membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.