Help Your Doctor Help You Lose Weight
It is always a good idea to eat healthy and stay active. You may need to do more to lose weight. Talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight and what is healthy for you. It may be a new diet, an exercise plan, a new medicine, or surgery.
It may be hard to talk about your weight. Many people are embarrassed by their weight. Your doctor is busy and you may feel there is not enough time. But it is really important to talk to your doctor about your weight, so plan ahead. Here is some help.
Write Down Your Questions and Ideas
When you meet with your doctor, you might not have a lot of time to talk. You can make it easier by bringing a list of questions to ask your doctor. Here are some examples:
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What is my weight?
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What is my height?
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What is my body mass index (BMI)?
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Is my BMI healthy?
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Does my waist size matter?
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How should I lose weight?
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How much weight do I need to lose to be healthy?
Do not leave the doctor’s office until you know how to get started. If your doctor says “lose weight,” make sure you ask “how?” Here are some questions you could ask your doctor about how you should lose weight.
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Do I need to see a special doctor who works with obese patients?
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Should I join a program or support group to help lose weight?
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Should I change what I eat? If so, how?
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Should I be more active?
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Should I take weight loss medicine to help lose weight?
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Is weight loss surgery an option for me?
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Do I need to see the doctor again about my weight?
After you talk to your doctor about your weight, stay in contact. Your doctor wants to help and guide you. For some doctors the best way to keep in contact is by phone, for others the best way is by email. Ask the nurse or receptionist how to stay in touch with your doctor and if you need to come back for another visit.