Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Obesity

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD [1]

You have a unique medical [10] history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with obesity. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions ahead of time so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

About Obesity

Where does my weight, medical [10] history, and family history place me on the risk scale for obesity-related diseases?
What should my weight reducing efforts be?
Is it possible that a medical [10] condition is responsible for my excess weight?

About Your Risk of Developing Complications

Are there signs of complications emerging because of my weight? Which ones are the most dangerous?
What else can I do besides exercise [11] and eat right?

About Treatment Options

Which treatment options do you specifically recommend for me?
When should I be referred to a dietitian for help with my diet?
Do I need to see a specialist in bariatric surgery or endocrinology?

About Lifestyle Changes

Can my spouse, care provider, parent [12], food preparer, or other family member join our treatment discussions? These individuals are going to have to help me change my eating habits.
What changes do I need to make in my diet?
I’m concerned that my children are overweight. What can I do?
What are the best exercises [11] to help me lose weight?
Can you recommend an athletic trainer or fitness [11] facility in my area?
Where can I get more information about weight loss?

About Your Outlook

Is there a counselor you recommend who is particularly good with overweight patients?
Can you recommend a support group?

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . 17th ed. Merck & Co.; 1999.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ [13] .

Last reviewed February 2007 by Edward R. Rosick, DO, MPH, MS [14]

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical [10] advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health [15] provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical [10] condition.

Links:
[1] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/editorial-staff-and-contributors#RickerP
[2] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/conditions-indepth-obesity-0
[3] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/risk-factors-for-obesity
[4] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/symptoms-of-obesity
[5] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/diagnosis-of-obesity
[6] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/treatments-for-obesity
[7] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/screening-for-obesity
[8] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/reducing-your-risk-of-obesity
[9] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/resource-guide-for-obesity
[10] http://www.thirdage.com/medical-care
[11] http://www.thirdage.com/exercise-fitness
[12] http://www.thirdage.com/parenting
[13] http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
[14] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/ebsco-publishings-medical-review-board-0#Rosick
[15] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness