An honest conversation with your doctor can support you in reaching your health and weight goals.
Conversations around weight, whether with your friends, family, or healthcare professionals, can be uncomfortable.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed before starting a weight management discussion with your doctor, but a little prep work and a lot of honesty go a long way.
Keep reading to learn about your options and how to feel more prepared ahead of your doctor’s appointment.
Some preparation before your appointment can help you feel confident starting a weight-loss conversation with your doctor — and will help you and your doctor come up with the right plan for you
Consider writing down details about your health history for your doctor to review, including any current or past weight-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or any disordered eating.
Writing down specific questions also helps ensure you leave your appointment with clear goals, whether you’re aiming for weight loss, weight maintenance, or weight gain.
Here are some examples of helpful
- How much weight is healthy for me?
- How much weight should I gain or lose?
- How long might it take me to gain/lose that weight?
- Are there any health conditions that may be affecting my weight?
- What immediate changes can I make to my current diet to support weight change?
- How might my weight affect the way I feel right now?
- Is there a weight loss/gain plan you recommend for me?
- What type of exercise programs may be best for me?
- What are my next steps?
Being honest with your doctor is the best way to uncover any underlying issues that may be affecting your weight.
Withholding potentially helpful information about your diet and lifestyle from your doctor may mean missing out on your weight goals and a more health-promoting lifestyle.
Here are some important areas to address with your doctor:
- your current weight
- lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, exercise, and alcohol use (which all play a role in weight)
- eating habits and current diet
- any barriers to nutritious foods and exercise like food insecurity or physical disabilities, respectively
If you have additional stressors in your life, such as challenges at work or in a relationship, mention this to your doctor. They may be able to offer resources or refer you to a specialist who can create a custom plan that may help support you with your weight goals.
If your doctor does not mention or offer resources or specialists on their own, do not hesitate to ask for them.
Seeing a specialist may make sense for your goals or might be more helpful if your primary care doctor is unable to offer enough support.
If you’re visiting the doctor to lose weight, it’s helpful to ask about your doctor’s preferred approach. Some doctors tend to prescribe weight loss medications, while others focus on adjusting diet and lifestyle to manage a moderate weight.
Every body is different, and an approach that may work well for a friend might not be right for you.
If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor’s approach to weight change or management, seek a doctor whose approach matches your comfort level and goals.
Our emotional well-being has a large role in how we feel mentally and physically.
It’s important to discuss any emotional or psychological conditions you are experiencing, like anxiety or depression, which can have an effect on weight.
These mental health conditions are common, and your doctor can offer support and resources that can help.
These resources are generally only available when we ask for them directly, so it’s important to be your own advocate during healthcare appointments to find the best treatment.
Though your doctor’s office should be a safe space, that’s
This is why it’s important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with, especially if you experience fears navigating judgment or stigma around weight.
Your doctor should hold space for you to feel comfortable expressing your concerns.
If you experience anxiety about weight or talking about weight, it may help to mention this at the start of your appointment so your doctor is more mindful about how they communicate during the visit.
If the doctor does not consider your feelings during the appointment, finding a different doctor who offers more
Do not let a bad experience keep you from finding help better managing your weight.
Cost is another common concern for many people seeking help with weight loss or management.
“I usually am able to get weight loss medications approved through a patient’s insurance if the patient is overweight. Some plans have weight loss medicine exclusions, which means they won’t cover them no matter the patient’s weight,” Braunstein says.
Though many weight loss medications are expensive, there are some ways to help lower costs:
- opting for generic medications instead of name-brand medications
- checking for online coupons from certain health services platforms like OptumRx
- asking pharmacists, pharmacy administrators, or social workers for help with medication costs
A journey to your weight loss goal starts with a conversation with your doctor. Establishing an open relationship with your doctor can set you on the best course for your overall health goals.
If an approach does not work for you or your doctor is not an active, empathetic listener, it’s worth taking the time to find a doctor who can offer stronger support and solutions. Visiting a nutritionist is another helpful step to consider.
