BMI uses your height and weight to gauge whether you’re underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Your doctor can be a partner when you’re working to lose extra weight. You may need to start the conversation, since they might not spend a lot of time on the subject unless you bring it up.
Diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to help many people reach a healthier weight. Medical treatments are needed to address the biological changes happening in our bodies that can drive weight regain. To find a physician near you who specializes in weight management, click here.
When it comes to discussing weight loss with your doctor, communication is key. Many patients appreciate a compassionate and non-judgmental approach from their healthcare providers. It’s important for doctors to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their weight and health goals.
Others may want to exhaust attempts at diet and exercise. But once they have decided to try a weight-loss drug, obesity doctors say it is critical that patients grasp what is happening biologically with their bodies. If you’re ready to talk to your doctor about weight, chances are you’ve already made a significant amount of effort on your own.
If you are an adult with overweight or obesity, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan. Sleeping too much or too little may raise your blood glucose levels. Your sleep habits may also affect your mental health and vice versa. People with diabetes and overweight or obesity can also have other health conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea, which can raise your blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
Empathy and Understanding
Depending on the type of surgery you have, your body may not absorb all the calories from the food you eat. She provides advanced endocrinology care for patients who have weight problems or endocrine disorders. Dr. Pannain also serves as director of Chicago Weight, a weight loss program and support group at the University of Chicago Medicine. Strategies for achieving better sleep and managing stress can also help patients get the most out of these drugs and manage the other conditions that they may be contending with. Doctors and patients need to be thinking about how to treat the whole person, rather than count on the new treatments, promising though they may be, to act as miracle drugs.
The headline numbers that patients may have seen showing people losing 10 to 20 percent of their body weight are only averages. At this point, obesity science does not fully understand how different patients are going to respond. There is still a lot of trial and error, Apovian told me. There are alternatives for patients who can’t get insurance to cover the drugs and can’t afford the $1,300 out-of-pocket price.
Patients want their doctors to show empathy and understanding when discussing weight loss. They want to feel heard and respected, rather than shamed or judged for their current weight. A compassionate approach can help build trust between the patient and doctor, making it easier for the patient to be open and honest about their struggles and challenges.
Setting Realistic Goals
Patients also appreciate doctors who set realistic and achievable weight loss goals. Instead of focusing solely on the number on the scale, doctors should emphasize overall health and well-being. By providing practical guidance and support, doctors can help patients make sustainable lifestyle changes that lead to long-term success.
Educating and Empowering Patients
Another important aspect of discussing weight loss with patients is education. Doctors should take the time to explain the risks associated with excess weight and the benefits of losing even a small amount of weight. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, doctors can help them take control of their health and make informed decisions about their weight loss journey.
