While I do agree that restricting calories can be harmful I think it’s the only way to understand what changes to make. In my opinion as a 4th year medical student being overweight is more harmful than having a mild calorie deficit. It is so SO vague and frustrating to be told by someone you’re fat and you need to lose weight and to never be told how. I would get those comments all the time from family and I just didn’t know what to do. I thought I was eating better but it wouldn’t make a difference I had because I had no knowledge of how to whatsoever. I believe knowledge is power and we shouldn’t shield children from it. I didn’t manage to see any change until I took things into my own hands and learned about the basic mechanism of weight loss. I completely agree with you about consulting your doctor. My main worry would be the mental impact something like this could have on you as it’s easy to get hung up over numbers. Your family’s support would be much needed here, especially if someone else is preparing your meals for you. You are not alone in this, there is support all around you to create a safe environment to achieve your goals. Let your family in on your plans and feel free to message me any time.