Let's Talk: 13 Questions to ask your doctor or healthcare professional

Too many obesity patients are trying to manage their weight on their own – but it does not have to be that way. Obesity is a chronic condition and managing it is a lifelong process.

Starting a conversation with your healthcare professional can open up doors to treatments and therapies you might not have known about or otherwise considered.
 

Put the conversation within the context of others to get a picture of how your healthcare professional normally helps patients achieve their health goals. Be prepared for a conversation about your weight history and expectations for the future.
 

Your healthcare professional should help you to identify meaningful and realistic goals that match your weight loss plan. To better prepare yourself, ask your healthcare team what you can expect throughout and at the end of your treatment.
 

It can help to ask this question as your healthcare professional will offer a number of different therapies, sometimes in combination. The goal is to select the treatments that best address the reasons for your weight gain, like your biology, psychology, and behavior.
 

This is an important question because no single approach works for everyone. Your healthcare professional will consider your circumstances, health conditions, and previous treatments to come up with the types of tests, evaluations, and weight management that fit your weight loss plan.

Have you checked your BMI? Find out if your weight puts you into an overweight category. 
 

Your healthcare professional will advise you on how often you should check in depending on your treatment plan. Your appointments are meant for support, keeping track of your progress, and adjusting treatment if necessary.

They may not always be with a healthcare professional, as appointments with support staff are also extremely valuable and should not be overlooked.
 

The systems that cover medical costs for weight loss 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. You need to know that your healthcare professional has more than one approach to help you succeed. In case your treatment plan does not meet your weight loss expectations, your healthcare professional will adjust it for you.
 

It might seem like a very direct question, but it’s important that you feel you are in good hands. You need a healthcare professional who will become a real partner on your journey.
 

It is important to remember that reaching your weight loss goals will not happen overnight. But your healthcare professional will help you to start your journey today. Some options include healthy eating and increased physical activity.
 

Obesity can be connected to genetics, and it’s important to be aware of genetic factors that might affect your weight loss journey. Talk to your healthcare professional to find out how you can refine your diet and lifestyle based on your own unique heritage, and reach your weight loss goals.
 

Your healthcare professional will be able to provide you with an estimate on when you will reach your weight loss goals. The estimate will most likely be based on various factors such as your weight loss expectations, your lifestyle, and any existing medical conditions.
 

Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to other professionals. Dieticians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists can all be helpful.

Aside from friends, family, and your professional healthcare team, there are plenty of local and online support groups for weight loss. Getting others involved in your journey is a great way to stay the course while exchanging experiences to keep motivated.
 

To know and understand the health benefits of your weight loss plan will keep you motivated. The​ good news is even a modest weight loss of five percent or more can have a positive impact on your health.​
 

Having a list of important questions (in hand) when visiting a healthcare professional gives you a point of reference for addressing possible health concerns.

Bringing up the right questions with your healthcare professional is just the start.

Remind yourself why you have decided to commit to a weight-loss treatment plan and work with your healthcare professional towards your goals.

Every weight loss journey has obstacles and challenges. But you do not have to do it alone.