Unraveling the Mystery: What Is Water Weight Loss and What Does It Mean for Your Health Journey?

Introduction

The number on the scale can be a daily enigma. One morning, it’s down; the next, it’s inexplicably up, even when your eating and exercise habits haven’t dramatically changed. This frustrating fluctuation often leaves us wondering, “What exactly is happening inside my body?” This common experience is frequently tied to water weight, a phenomenon that significantly impacts how we perceive our weight loss progress. Understanding water weight isn’t just about the numbers on the scale; it’s about gaining a deeper insight into your body’s intricate balance, debunking common myths, and paving the way for more informed and sustainable health decisions.

Our bodies are remarkable systems, composed of a significant percentage of water—a vital component for countless biological processes, from regulating temperature to transporting nutrients. Yet, this essential fluid can also contribute to temporary weight shifts, making the path to sustainable weight loss feel confusing. Many factors, often overlooked, influence how much water your body retains, from dietary choices and hormonal changes to stress and even hydration levels.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the science behind water weight loss, exploring what it is, what triggers its fluctuations, and how it differs from actual fat loss. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to distinguish between these different types of weight changes, understand their implications, and adopt effective strategies to manage water retention while focusing on your long-term health goals. We’ll also highlight how a personalized, medically supervised approach, like the ones we offer at TrimRx, can provide the clarity and support you need on your unique journey. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of water weight, its role in your overall well-being, and how to approach your weight loss journey with greater confidence and insight.

The Foundation of Our Being: What Is Water Weight?

When you step on the scale and see a sudden shift, it’s natural to question what’s truly contributing to that number. While we often associate weight gain or loss with changes in fat or muscle, a significant portion of our body’s daily fluctuations can be attributed to something else entirely: water weight. But what exactly is water weight, and why does it play such a pivotal role in our perceived body mass?

At its core, water weight refers to the excess water or fluid that builds up in the body’s tissues and blood vessels. It’s also known as edema or water retention. Our bodies are inherently aqueous; water makes up a substantial percentage of our total body weight, typically ranging from 50% to 60% in adults. This H2O isn’t just static; it’s constantly moving, being used, and replenished to support vital functions. It lubricates joints, carries nutrients, removes waste products, and maintains blood volume, among countless other tasks. However, when the body holds onto more water than usual, this surplus contributes to the numbers we see on the scale.

It’s crucial to understand that while water weight is “real” in the sense that it adds to your total body mass, it doesn’t represent a change in fat. Think of it as a temporary phenomenon, influenced by daily habits and internal processes, rather than a reflection of true body composition changes. This distinction is incredibly important for anyone on a weight loss journey, as confusing water weight fluctuations with actual fat gain or loss can lead to frustration and misguided strategies.

Differentiating Water Weight from Fat and Muscle

To effectively manage your weight loss journey, discerning between water weight, fat, and muscle is paramount.

Water Weight: The Fleeting Fluctuation

• Characteristics: Water weight changes rapidly, often within hours or a day. It can cause bloating, a “puffy” appearance, and sometimes manifests as swelling in the extremities like hands, feet, and ankles. A common test involves pressing a finger firmly on a swollen area; if an indentation (pitting edema) lingers after you release pressure, it’s a strong indicator of fluid retention.
• Impact on Scale: Can cause daily weight swings of 1 to 5 pounds, or even more, depending on various factors.
• Health Implications: Usually harmless, though persistent or severe edema can signal underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Fat Weight: The Gradual Accumulation

• Characteristics: Fat gain or loss occurs much more gradually, reflecting sustained calorie surplus or deficit over days, weeks, or months. It tends to accumulate uniformly across the body, though specific areas (like the abdomen) might be more prone to fat storage for some individuals.
• Impact on Scale: Changes are slower but more consistent over time, typically 1-2 pounds per week for sustainable fat loss.
• Health Implications: Excessive body fat (obesity) is linked to numerous health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Sustainable fat loss is often a primary goal for improving overall health.

Muscle Weight: The Dense Foundation

• Characteristics: Muscle tissue is denser than fat and contributes significantly to body weight. Changes in muscle mass occur slowly through consistent resistance training and adequate protein intake. Increased muscle mass can improve metabolism and body shape.
• Impact on Scale: Muscle gain can sometimes make the scale number go up even as body fat decreases, which is why body composition metrics are often more useful than just total weight.
• Health Implications: Higher muscle mass is generally associated with better metabolic health, strength, and longevity.

Understanding these differences empowers you to interpret your body’s signals more accurately and to focus your efforts on sustainable, long-term health improvements. At TrimRx, we believe in providing a holistic view of your health, moving beyond just the scale to consider overall well-being and body composition as part of a personalized plan. If you’re curious about a tailored approach that considers all these factors, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz to see if you qualify for our personalized weight loss programs.

The Intricacies of Water Retention: What Triggers Fluctuations?

Understanding what causes your body to hold onto extra water is the first step toward managing it effectively. Several factors, from diet to hormones and lifestyle, can contribute to those frustrating fluctuations on the scale. Let’s explore the primary culprits behind water retention.

Glycogen Stores and Carbohydrate Intake

One of the most significant contributors to rapid water weight changes, especially when starting a new diet, is your body’s glycogen stores. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose, your body’s primary energy source, and it’s predominantly housed in your liver and muscle cells. Here’s the interesting part: each gram of glycogen stored in your body is bound to approximately 3 to 4 grams of water.

• High Carbohydrate Intake: When you consume carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose. Any glucose not immediately used for energy is converted into glycogen and stored. Since water binds with glycogen, a diet high in carbohydrates means your body will store more glycogen and, consequently, more water. This is why a large pasta meal or a “carb-heavy” day can lead to a noticeable bump on the scale the next morning.
• Low Carbohydrate Diets: Conversely, when you reduce your carbohydrate intake, especially on low-carb diets like keto, your body begins to deplete its glycogen stores for energy. As these stores are used up, the associated water is released and flushed out. This mechanism is largely responsible for the rapid weight loss (often several pounds) many individuals experience during the initial days or weeks of a low-carb diet. It’s important to recognize this as water weight loss, not immediate fat loss.

Sodium Intake: The Salty Connection

Sodium, an essential electrolyte, plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. However, excessive intake can easily lead to water retention.

• Sodium-Water Balance: Your body strives to maintain a precise sodium-to-water ratio. If you consume too much sodium, your body will hold onto extra water to dilute the sodium and restore this balance. This is why many processed foods, which are notoriously high in sodium, can contribute to bloating and increased water weight.
• Dietary Sources: Beyond table salt, a significant portion of the sodium we consume comes from processed and prepared foods like cured meats, canned soups, frozen meals, and even certain breads and cheeses. Limiting these high-sodium items can be a powerful strategy for managing water retention.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones wield considerable influence over fluid balance, particularly in women.

• Menstrual Cycle: It’s a well-known experience for many women that hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle lead to temporary water retention. Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, especially in the week leading up to a period, can cause bloating and a feeling of fullness. Studies have shown that a high percentage of women experience water retention symptoms during this time.
• Stress Hormones: Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” can also contribute to water retention. Chronically elevated cortisol levels, whether from mental worry, sleep deprivation, or even intense physical training, can impact fluid balance and lead to an increase in water weight.

Dehydration: A Counterintuitive Cause

It may seem counterintuitive, but not drinking enough water can actually cause your body to retain fluid.

• Compensatory Mechanism: When you’re dehydrated, your body enters a “conservation mode,” holding onto every drop of water it can get to prevent further fluid loss. This protective mechanism can lead to increased water weight.
• Kidney Function: Adequate hydration is vital for proper kidney function, which is responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from your body. When kidneys aren’t functioning optimally due to dehydration, they may be less efficient at flushing out surplus water and sodium.

Lifestyle Factors

Our daily habits also play a role in how much water our bodies retain.

• Physical Inactivity: Prolonged sitting or standing can hinder proper circulation, especially in the lower extremities. Gravity can cause fluid to pool in the legs and feet, leading to swelling and discomfort. Regular movement helps promote circulation and reduces fluid buildup.
• Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep quality and insufficient rest can disrupt hormone regulation, including those that influence fluid balance, potentially contributing to water retention.

Medical Conditions and Medications

While often benign, persistent or unexplained water retention can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of certain medications.

• Medical Conditions: Conditions affecting the heart (like heart failure), kidneys, or liver can impair the body’s ability to process and excrete fluids, leading to significant edema. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or venous insufficiency (where veins struggle to return blood to the heart) can also cause fluid retention, particularly in the legs. If you experience sudden, severe, or persistent swelling, especially accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath or coughing, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider immediately.
• Medications: Some medications are known to cause water retention as a side effect. These can include certain anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure medications, steroids, and some oral contraceptives. If you suspect a medication is causing problematic fluid retention, discussing this with your doctor is always the best course of action.

Understanding these triggers allows for a more targeted approach to managing water weight. For many, small adjustments to diet and lifestyle can make a significant difference. For those seeking a structured plan that considers these factors in a personalized manner, exploring a medically supervised weight loss program can be invaluable. Our programs at TrimRx are designed to provide comprehensive support, helping you navigate your body’s unique responses to diet and lifestyle changes. Take our free assessment quiz to learn more about how we can create a plan tailored just for you.

Beyond the Scale: Distinguishing Water Weight Loss from Fat Loss

It’s easy to get fixated on the number on the scale, especially when you’re actively working towards weight loss. However, this number can be misleading if you don’t understand the difference between losing water and losing fat. True, sustainable weight loss centers on reducing body fat, which carries significant health benefits. Water weight loss, while often exciting in its speed, is temporary and doesn’t represent the same long-term progress.

The Speed of Change: A Key Indicator

One of the most telling signs of water weight loss is its rapid onset.

• Rapid Initial Drops: If you’ve just started a new diet, particularly one that restricts carbohydrates, you might experience a significant drop in weight—sometimes 4 to 8 pounds—within the first few days or a week. This quick reduction is predominantly water weight, released as your body depletes its glycogen stores. While motivating, it’s not a direct indicator of substantial fat loss.
• Sustainable Fat Loss Pace: In contrast, sustainable fat loss is a much slower process. Experts generally recommend aiming for 1 to 2 pounds of fat loss per week by creating a consistent calorie deficit. To lose one pound of fat, your body needs to burn approximately 3,500 more calories than it consumes. Achieving this deficit on a daily basis leads to gradual, consistent fat reduction. If you’re consistently losing more than 2 pounds per week after the initial adjustment period, you might be losing muscle mass, which isn’t ideal for long-term health and metabolism.

Where You Notice the Changes

The location and nature of perceived “loss” can also offer clues.

• Water Weight Characteristics: Water weight often manifests as generalized puffiness, particularly in the face, hands, feet, and ankles. You might feel “bloated” or your rings might feel tighter. Pressing on the skin can leave an indentation. Clothes might feel snug all over, rather than just in specific areas.
• Fat Loss Characteristics: When you lose fat, you typically notice changes in specific areas where fat accumulates, such as around your waist, hips, or thighs. Your clothes will start to feel looser, belts may need to be tightened, and you might observe a change in your overall body shape. This is often accompanied by an improvement in energy levels and physical performance.

The Fluctuating Nature of Daily Weigh-Ins

Daily weigh-ins can be incredibly discouraging due to water weight fluctuations.

• Normal Daily Swings: It’s completely normal for your body weight to fluctuate by several pounds throughout a single day or from one day to the next. Factors like recent food intake (especially sodium and carbs), hydration status, bowel movements, hormonal cycles, and even the time of day you weigh yourself can impact the reading.
• Focus on Trends: To get a more accurate picture of your progress, it’s often more helpful to track your weight weekly, at the same time and under similar conditions (e.g., first thing in the morning after using the bathroom). Better yet, look at weekly averages or long-term trends rather than getting hung up on daily numbers.

Beyond the Scale: More Reliable Indicators of Progress

To truly gauge your fat loss journey and overall health improvements, it’s vital to look beyond just the scale.

• How Your Clothes Fit: This is often the most practical and encouraging indicator. If your favorite pair of jeans fits more comfortably, or you need to cinch your belt an extra notch, you’re likely losing fat and inches, regardless of what the scale says.
• Body Measurements: Regularly taking measurements of your waist, hips, chest, thighs, and arms (e.g., once a month) can provide concrete evidence of fat loss and changes in body composition, even if the scale is moving slowly or staying stagnant.
• Progress Photos: Taking photos every few weeks, in the same lighting and pose, can reveal subtle body composition changes that are hard to notice day-to-day.
• Energy Levels and Performance: Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy throughout the day? Are your workouts feeling easier, or are you getting stronger? These are powerful signs that your body is becoming healthier and more efficient as you lose fat.
• Overall Well-being: Pay attention to how you feel mentally and physically. Reduced joint pain, improved mood, better digestion, and increased self-confidence are all significant markers of progress.

At TrimRx, we emphasize a holistic approach to weight loss, understanding that true success extends far beyond a number on a scale. Our personalized programs are designed to help you focus on sustainable fat loss and overall well-being, providing the tools and support to track real progress. If you’re ready to embrace a journey that values your health beyond just weight fluctuations, we invite you to take our free assessment quiz to discover a plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Navigating the Waters: Effective Strategies for Managing Water Retention and Promoting Sustainable Weight Loss

While water weight is a natural part of our physiological landscape, persistent or excessive retention can be uncomfortable and mask genuine weight loss progress. Fortunately, there are many effective, balanced strategies you can adopt to manage water weight and, more importantly, lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable fat loss. Our journey at TrimRx began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. This includes understanding and implementing strategies for balanced fluid management.

Dietary Adjustments: A Cornerstone of Fluid Balance

What you eat plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s fluid levels.

Reduce Sodium Intake

Given its direct link to water retention, moderating your sodium intake is a powerful step.

• Limit Processed Foods: About 70% of the sodium in the average diet comes from processed and restaurant foods, not just the salt shaker. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Read Food Labels: Become a savvy shopper by checking nutrition labels for sodium content. Opt for low-sodium versions of packaged goods whenever possible.
• Cook at Home: Preparing meals yourself gives you full control over the amount of salt you use, allowing you to season with herbs and spices instead.

Mindful Carbohydrate Intake

While carbohydrates are not inherently “bad,” understanding their relationship with glycogen and water can help manage fluctuations.

• Balanced Approach: Instead of drastic carb elimination (which often leads to rapid, temporary water weight loss), focus on a balanced intake of complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables. These provide essential fiber and nutrients without the sudden glycogen spikes.
• Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes for carb-rich foods to prevent excessive glycogen storage.

Increase Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium is another electrolyte that works in opposition to sodium, helping to balance fluid levels.

• Natural Diuretics: Foods rich in potassium act as natural diuretics, helping your body excrete excess sodium and water.
• Excellent Sources: Incorporate foods like bananas, spinach, avocados, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and coconut water into your diet.

Optimal Hydration: The Counterintuitive Solution

It seems counterintuitive, but drinking enough water is one of the best ways to combat water retention.

• Signals of Hydration: When you’re adequately hydrated, your body doesn’t feel the need to cling to fluid. This helps your kidneys function efficiently, flushing out excess sodium and waste products, and thus, excess water.
• Recommendation: Aim for around 2 to 3 liters of water per day for most adults, adjusting based on activity level and climate. Replacing sugary drinks with pure water also supports your overall health and weight management efforts.

The Power of Movement: Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is vital for overall health and plays a significant role in managing water weight.

• Improved Circulation: Exercise stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which helps move accumulated fluids out of tissues, particularly in the extremities.
• Sweating: Sweating during exercise is a natural way your body releases excess water and sodium.
• Glycogen Depletion: Workouts, especially those involving sustained effort, utilize your glycogen stores, further aiding in the release of bound water.
• Consistency is Key: The American Heart Association recommends at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Even small bouts of movement throughout the day can make a difference in preventing fluid pooling.

Stress Management and Quality Sleep

These often-overlooked lifestyle factors significantly impact hormonal balance and, consequently, fluid retention.

• Stress Reduction: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can lead to increased water retention. Incorporate stress-reducing practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies.
• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Adequate rest helps regulate hormones that influence fluid balance, appetite, and metabolism. Poor sleep can disrupt these delicate balances, potentially contributing to water retention and hindering fat loss efforts.

TrimRx’s Personalized Approach: Beyond General Advice

While these general strategies are beneficial, we understand that every individual’s body and journey are unique. At TrimRx, our brand is empathetic, innovative, trustworthy, supportive, results-oriented, and personalized. We combine advanced medical science with modern technology to offer compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey.

Personalized Weight Loss Programs with Medical Supervision

For those seeking a more structured and medically supervised approach to weight loss, including strategies for managing water retention and achieving sustainable fat loss, we offer personalized programs. These programs may include:

• Comprehensive Consultations: Our licensed medical professionals assess your health history, lifestyle, and goals to create a tailored treatment plan.
• Lab Work: Necessary lab tests ensure your plan is safe and effective for your individual health profile.
• Prescription Weight Loss Medications: For eligible individuals, our programs may incorporate clinically proven medications such as Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy®. These medications are provided through FDA-registered, inspected, and approved pharmacies, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. We want to be clear that TrimRx partners with these pharmacies for the shipping of weight loss medications and does not provide actual medical supervision; that is provided by the licensed medical professionals in our network.
• Unlimited Support: Our commitment to transparent service means our approach remains consistent regardless of dosage changes. You’ll receive ongoing guidance throughout your journey.
• Convenient Shipping: Medications are discreetly shipped directly to your door, with no hidden fees for shipping.

To determine if you qualify for these personalized programs and to receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz.

Quick-Access Supplements for Holistic Support

In addition to our personalized programs, we offer quick-access supplements designed to support your overall wellness during your weight loss journey. These can be purchased immediately, without requiring a quiz, and seamlessly integrate into your health routine.

• GLP-1 Daily Support: This supplement is formulated to complement your body’s natural processes, offering daily support for metabolic health and overall well-being.
• Weight Loss Boost: Designed to give you an extra edge, this boost can help support your body’s fat-burning potential and energy levels, working synergistically with healthy lifestyle choices.

These supplements are designed to empower you with additional tools on your path to a healthier you, reflecting our dedication to safe, effective weight loss and individualized care.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

While minor water retention is often benign and manageable with lifestyle changes, it’s crucial to know when to seek professional medical attention.

• Persistent or Severe Swelling: If you experience unexplained or persistent swelling, particularly in one limb, or if the swelling becomes severe (e.g., pitting edema that leaves an indentation), it’s important to consult a doctor.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention if water retention is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing (especially when lying down), chest pain, or rapid, unexplained weight gain. These could be signs of serious underlying conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.
• Medication Side Effects: If you suspect a medication is causing problematic fluid retention, speak with your prescribing doctor before making any changes.

At TrimRx, our goal is to support your health journey with a transparent and science-backed approach. We believe that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent process. Understanding and managing water weight is a vital part of this journey, contributing to a clearer picture of your progress and fostering a healthier relationship with your body.

Conclusion

The journey toward sustainable health and well-being is often characterized by both triumphs and perplexing challenges, and understanding “what is water weight loss” is undoubtedly one of them. We’ve explored how water, an indispensable component of our bodies, can also be the source of those frustrating scale fluctuations. We’ve delved into the intricate dance between glycogen, sodium, hormones, and hydration that orchestrates these temporary shifts, and perhaps most importantly, we’ve distinguished water weight from the more impactful, long-term changes associated with fat loss.

Remember, the number on your scale is merely one data point, and it rarely tells the whole story. By understanding the rapid, often localized nature of water weight versus the gradual, more systemic changes of fat loss, you can approach your progress with greater clarity and less frustration. Focus on the tangible signs of progress: how your clothes fit, your increased energy levels, improved stamina, and overall sense of vitality. These are the true indicators of a body becoming healthier and more aligned with your goals.

At TrimRx, we believe that sustainable weight loss is a deeply personal journey that deserves science, empathy, and a transparent approach. Our platform is designed to be a user-friendly and supportive space where individuals receive personalized, medically supervised care—all designed to make sustainable weight loss attainable and tailored to the individual. Our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions.

If you’re ready to move beyond the daily scale fluctuations and embark on a comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss journey tailored to your unique physiology and lifestyle, we invite you to take the next step. Discover how our personalized programs, which may include options like Compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic®, and Zepbound® from FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies, can support your goals. Take our free assessment quiz today to see if you qualify for a personalized treatment plan that includes doctor consultations, necessary lab work, medication, unlimited support, and convenient shipping with no hidden fees.

For immediate support in your wellness journey, consider exploring our quick-access supplements. Our GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost are designed to complement your efforts, providing additional assistance without requiring an assessment. Together, we can unlock a path to a healthier, more confident you, where progress is measured not just by a number, but by your overall well-being.

FAQ

What is water weight and how does it differ from fat weight?

Water weight refers to the excess fluid stored in your body’s tissues and blood vessels, often causing temporary bloating and rapid weight fluctuations (1-5 pounds daily). It’s influenced by factors like diet (sodium, carbohydrates), hormones, and hydration. Fat weight, on the other hand, is the accumulation of adipose tissue, which changes much more gradually over days or weeks of consistent calorie surplus or deficit. While water weight is temporary and harmless, excessive fat weight can pose significant health risks.

What are the most common causes of water retention?

Several factors commonly contribute to water retention. These include high sodium intake, which causes the body to hold water to maintain electrolyte balance; high carbohydrate consumption, as each gram of stored glycogen binds with 3-4 grams of water; hormonal changes, especially during a woman’s menstrual cycle; dehydration, paradoxically causing the body to conserve fluid; and prolonged inactivity, which can lead to fluid pooling in the extremities. Certain medical conditions and medications can also play a role, making it important to consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms.

How can I effectively manage or reduce water weight?

To manage water weight, focus on balanced dietary and lifestyle habits. Reduce your intake of high-sodium and highly processed foods, and consume complex carbohydrates in moderation. Ensure you stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, which helps your body flush out excess fluids. Regular physical activity improves circulation and aids in the release of stored water. Additionally, managing stress and prioritizing quality sleep can help regulate hormones that influence fluid balance. For a personalized approach, consider exploring medically supervised programs that can offer tailored strategies.

When should I be concerned about water retention and seek medical advice?

While occasional water weight fluctuations are normal, persistent, severe, or unexplained swelling should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Be particularly concerned if you notice swelling that doesn’t go away, leaves an indentation when pressed (pitting edema), or is accompanied by other serious symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain. These could be indicators of underlying medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease, which require immediate professional attention. If you suspect a medication is causing significant water retention, always discuss it with your doctor.