Top Five Questions to Ask Your Medical Weight Loss Specialist During Your Initial Consultation
Let's face it: losing weight is challenging. With nearly 2 out of 3 American adults struggling with being overweight or obese, you're not alone in seeking help. Yet, surprisingly, less than 4% of people with obesity actually seek professional treatment. If you're considering taking that important step towards better health, here are the top five questions you should ask during your first consultation with a medical weight loss specialist.
1. How Does My Current Weight Impact My Overall Health?
Understanding the health risks associated with your weight is crucial. Your doctor won't just give you a number on a scale, but will provide an honest conversation about potential future health challenges. This isn't about making you feel bad—it's about motivating you to take proactive steps. Knowing the specific health risks can be a powerful motivator to start your weight loss journey.
2. What's Contributing to My Weight Gain?
Weight gain is complex and rarely about simple willpower. Your specialist will help you understand the potential factors, which might include:
Medical conditions like hypothyroidism
Medications that can cause weight gain
Hormonal imbalances
Lifestyle and dietary habits
Importantly, your doctor should take a holistic approach. They'll work to understand your unique situation, potentially involving a team of professionals like dieticians and psychologists to address the root causes of weight gain.
3. What's a Healthy Goal Weight for Me?
Forget the one-size-fits-all approach. A good weight loss specialist won't just fixate on a number or BMI. They'll consider:
Your starting weight
Your age
Underlying health conditions
Realistic expectations
The primary goal isn't to make you look a certain way, but to improve your overall health and prevent future medical complications. As one expert puts it, becoming "skinnier" is just a pleasant side effect of successfully treating obesity.
4. What Treatment Options Are Available?
Treatment depends on how much weight you need to lose:
25 pounds or less: Might benefit from behavior modification, dietician support, and exercise
30-50 pounds: Could involve weight loss medications
100 pounds or more: Your doctor might discuss weight loss surgery
A good specialist will work with you as a team, progressing from the least to most invasive treatments based on your specific needs.
5. How Will I Maintain My Weight Loss?
This is often the most challenging part of any weight loss journey. Your specialist should provide a long-term plan that includes:
Continued medical supervision
Strategies to prevent weight regain
Ongoing support and follow-up
Be prepared for honest discussions about medication. Research shows that most people regain weight when they stop weight loss medications, so maintaining your progress requires a committed, long-term approach.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By asking these questions, you're taking a significant step towards a healthier future.
Medical Weight Loss Done Right ©
Dr. Leon Katz
Resource:
Beenish Masood et al. Causes of obesity: a review; Clinical Medicine
Volume 23, Issue 4, July 2023, Pages 284-291 https://bit.ly/3ZbkV6Z
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
