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Women speaking with a healthcare professional

Why should I speak to my doctor about my weight? 

Obesity is not simply a matter of willpower or lifestyle choices.

Just like any other chronic disease, obesity deserves compassionate, judgement-free care, and you don't have to manage it on your own.

Talking to your doctor can be the first step towards finding the support and long-term weight management approach that’s right for you.

When should I speak to my doctor?

When to talk to your doctor about your weight is a personal decision, the most important thing is that you feel ready. If you're unsure, here are some general signs that it may be time to start the conversation:

Women walking outdoors

Your weight is affecting your health or well-being

The impact of obesity on physical health and mental well-being health can include difficulty moving around, poor sleep, low self-esteem.

 Person sitting at home reading an open book.

Your BMI is outside the healthy range

If your BMI score is outside the healthy range can, it can indicate an increased risk of weight-related health conditions.

Women standing outdoors with palm trees in the background.

Your waist size may signal a health risk

Your WHtR measures the relationship between waist circumference and height to identify cardiovascular risk related to obesity.

Understanding Obesity

What is your biggest barrier to managing your weight?

Managing weight looks different for everyone. Understanding what's holding you back is the first step toward finding the right support.

  • Managing weight can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what to do first. Small steps, the right support and a plan that fits your life can make the path feel clearer. Read more about starting your weight-loss journey

  • Losing weight is hard — but keeping it off can be even harder. If the weight keeps coming back, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Read more about why weight regain happens

  • Choosing the right treatment can feel confusing. Understanding your options and speaking with a healthcare professional can help you find an approach that’s right for you. Read more about weight-management treatments

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How can I prepare for a conversation with my doctor?

Download the resources below to help you feel more prepared a conversation with your doctor.







13 questions to ask your doctor

These questions can help to start a dialogue and take the first steps towards understanding what options for weight management are available.
 







Heart health conversation guide

Did you know that living with obesity can affect heart
health? This guide provides conversation starters to support meaningful discussion with your doctor to better understand the link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are weight management providers?

These healthcare professionals are specially trained to manage obesity and weight-related health conditions. They include endocrinologists, nutritionists and dieticians.

What do weight management providers do?

Weight management providers can help you create weight management plans based on your individual needs, preferences, culture, traditions, lifestyle and goals...basically all aspects of you!

Some of the things weight management providers can help with include:

  • Helping you set realistic goals
  • Teaching you about meal planning and exercise
  • Identifying behavioural counselling needs
  • Answering questions about weight-related health issues you may face
  • Advising you on whether to consider medical or surgical treatments

What can I expect from my first visit with a weight management provider?

To create a personalised weight management plan, your provider will take the time to understand your overall health, lifestyle, and goals. This may include:

  • Lifestyle habits – such as your diet, physical activity levels, and social environment.
  • Weight and health status – including your weight journey so far and medical history
  • Physical measurements – such as your waist circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • Medical assessments – such as blood tests, hormone tests and heart health assessments  
  • Goals and motivation – including your readiness to make changes and what you hope to achieve.

During these visits, it’s important to be open with your weight management provider about your life, your needs, and your concerns. Ask questions so that you get a good understanding of your weight obesity management programme. Remember: this programme is specifically designed to help you reach your goals. 

Recommended reading

Person speaking with a doctor.

Ready to take the first step with your doctor?

From finding the right doctor to setting goals and preparing for challenges, here are the five steps to getting started on your obesity management journey.

Person using a laptop while seated at a table.

Not sure which approach is right for you?

From exercise and diet to medication and surgery, this comparison table breaks down the most evidence-based options so you can walk into your next appointment informed.

 Patient and healthcare professional talking in a medical office.

Five science-backed ways to manage obesity

There are five clinically proven treatments doctors use to help manage weight. Knowing what's available is the first step toward finding a plan that lasts.

References:
  1. English S, Vallis M. Moving beyond eat less, move more using willpower: Reframing obesity as a chronic disease impact of the 2020 Canadian obesity guidelines reframed narrative on perceptions of self and the patient–provider relationship. Clinical Obesity. 2023;13(6):e12615. doi:10.1111/cob.12615
  2. Mona, B. (2024) Approaching weight management with your doctor, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/weight-mgmt-doctor#takeaway 
  3. Patient Journey Obesity -how to talk to your health care professional (HCP) American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. Available at: https://www.aace.com/patient-journey/obesity/contemplation/how-to-talk-to-your-health-care-professi…  
  4. Borg A, Lindblom J, Gomez A, Soltani A, Enman Y, Heintz E, Regardt M, Grannas D, Emamikia S, Parodis I. Obesity is associated with pain and impaired mobility despite therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Aug 24;10:1247354. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1247354. PMID: 37692782; PMCID: PMC10484101.
  5. Eid SW, Brown RF, Maloney SK, Birmingham CL. Can the relationship between overweight/obesity and sleep quality be explained by affect and behaviour? Eat Weight Disord. 2022 Oct;27(7):2821-2834. doi: 10.1007/s40519-022-01435-1. Epub 2022 Jul 6. PMID: 35790669; PMCID: PMC9556342.
  6. Tolvanen L, Christenson A, Eke H, Bonn SE, Lagerros YT. Weight Loss History and Its Association with Self-Esteem and Eating Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults with Obesity. Obes Facts. 2023;16(3):293-300. doi: 10.1159/000529267. Epub 2023 Jan 25. PMID: 36696892; PMCID: PMC10331152.
  7. Le QA, Delevry D. Impact of elevated BMI and types of comorbid conditions on health-related quality of life in a nationally representative US sample. Public Health Nutr. 2021 Dec;24(18):6346-6353. doi: 10.1017/S1368980021003694. Epub 2021 Aug 27. PMID: 34446128; PMCID: PMC11148587.
  8. Ashwell, Margaret. (2011). Charts Based on Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Height Ratio to Assess the Health Risks of Obesity: A Review. The Open Obesity Journal. 311. 78-84. 10.2174/1876823701103010078.
  9. Pakhare M, Anjankar A. Critical Correlation Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases and Recent Advancements in Obesity. Cureus. 2024 Jan 4;16(1):e51681. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51681. PMID: 38314003; PMCID: PMC10838385.
  10. Medipally M, Avasia A, Parasnis M. Obesity in Primary Care: A Comprehensive Approach for Family Physicians. Cureus. 2025 Aug 22;17(8):e90742. doi: 10.7759/cureus.90742. PMID: 40988829; PMCID: PMC12451035.
  11. Dixon JB, Abdul Ghani R, Sbraccia P. Perceptions of Obesity Among Healthcare Professionals and Policy Makers in 2023: Results of the Global OPEN Survey. Obes Sci Pract. 2025 Jan 8;11(1):e70033. doi: 10.1002/osp4.70033. PMID: 39781548; PMCID: PMC11707619.
  12. Don’t wait: Why you should see a doctor about your weight (2022) Obesity Action Coalition. Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/community/news/community-news/dont-wait-why-you-should-see-a-doctor-about-your-weight/
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