Getting off to a good start

Don’t know
what to ask?

We have you covered.

Firstly,
be
sure to

DESCRIBE

the reason(s) why you require help in weight management.

EXPRESS

how you feel about your weight, and begin statements with “I”.

ASSERT

your needs by directly asking for what you need.

Keep these 10 questions in mind.

Use them as your first step during a new consultation or to make an upcoming one more fruitful!

Developing a proper plan takes time. You will need an appointment that leaves time for a conversation about your weight history and wishes for the future.

This is an important question, because no single approach works for everyone. This means that the types of tests, evaluations, and treatments will vary depending on your circumstances, health issues, and previous treatments.

We cannot expect our doctors to be experts in everything. But we can expect them to know what they don’t know, and when they should refer us to a specialist.

An obesity specialist will offer a number of different therapies, sometimes in combination. The goal is to pick the treatments that best address the reasons for your weight gain, like your biology, psychology, and behaviour. Some options can include healthy eating, increased physical activity, anti-obesity medication, or bariatric surgery. An ideal setup might be to team up with a registered dietitian and a behavioural health specialist.

Asking this question will tell you two things: the success rate of their approach to treating obesity, and whether they keep track of their patients during their treatment. This is important because you want a doctor that invests in long-term treatment.

Your doctor should help you to identify meaningful and realistic goals. But it’s equally important to have support during the process. Your healthcare team might include a number of different specialists. Dieticians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists can all be helpful, depending on your situation. Local and online support groups are also a great way to exchange experiences and stay motivated.

The more frequent, the better. Appointments may be for support, accountability, and to adjust treatment as necessary. They may not always be with a doctor, as appointments with support staff are also extremely valuable and should not be overlooked.

The systems that cover medical costs vary a lot between countries. To avoid an unpleasant surprise, it’s important to understand what your financial commitment will be from the start.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease. To treat it successfully you need an individual treatment plan that fits your specific needs. This plan should include realistic goals, regular evaluations, and a detailed program for you to follow. Depending on your progress, the treatment plan might need to be adjusted or just fine-tuned. You need to know that your doctor has more than one approach – and more than one tool – to help you succeed.

It might seem like a very direct question, but it’s important that you feel that you are in good hands. You need someone who is interested in being a real partner on your journey, who stays in constant dialogue, and who shares the responsibility for your success.