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Complete this short questionnaire to prepare for a conversation 
with your doctor about obesity management.
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Two people sharing a healthy meal in a garden setting, illustrating lifestyle approaches to weight management.

Weight management approaches

Biological resistance to weight loss means your body fights back when you try to lose weight.1-3

Remember, obesity is a disease driven by complex factors, making it harder to achieve and maintain your health goals.1

There are many weight management strategies for people living with obesity—from healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise to clinical care for weight loss 1, 4 Your doctor can help you choose the right weight loss solutions for your needs.

Weight management approaches

Biological resistance to weight loss means your body fights back when you try to lose weight.1-3

Remember, obesity is a disease driven by complex factors, making it harder to achieve and maintain your health goals.1

There are many weight management strategies for people living with obesity—from healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise to clinical care for weight loss 1, 4 Your doctor can help you choose the right weight loss solutions for your needs.

Lifestyle changes

A balanced diet for weight loss is essential for overall health and can help reduce weight and reduce fat. There’s no single diet for Obesity that works for everyone—your needs depend on many factors. 5,6 Calorie-restrictive plans can be challenging, but support is available. 7 Talk to a dietitian for healthy weight loss tips and personalized weight reduction plans.

Staying Active

Physical activity is key to weight control and weight maintenance.7,8 Regular movement boosts metabolism and supports healthy weight loss strategies.5,9 You don’t need a gym—simple changes like walking more, taking stairs, or playing with your kids can help. 10 Exercise also improves emotional well-being. Always consult your doctor before starting any program.

Medical Support for Obesity Management

For obesity medicine and other obesity solutions please speak with your consulting physician or a doctor who is an obesity specialist.

Surgery

Bariatric or metabolic surgery may be an option for obesity treatment in specific BMI ranges.11,12 This is considered when other weight loss programs and weight loss therapy have not worked. Speak with an obesity specialist for details.

Where are you on your journey?

Wherever you are on your journey, it can feel like an all-too-familiar road. We understand that discussing options with your doctor can feel intimidating. Taking the time to reflect on what you’ve tried in the past and your motivations can help you feel prepared to navigate these conversations with confidence.

No matter where you are, planning your next step matters. Reflect on what you’ve tried and your goals. Use our questionnaire to prepare for a conversation about obesity and weight loss strategies with your doctor.

Use this questionnaire for tips on starting the conversation. 

Hear from othersarrow-right

  1. Greenway FL. Physiological adaptations to weight loss and factors favouring weight regain. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39(8):1188-1196. doi:10.1038/ijo.2015.59.

  2. Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):183-197. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012

  3. Ochner CN, Barrios DM, Lee CD, et al. Biological mechanisms that promote weight regain following weight loss in obese humans. Physiol Behav. 2013;120:106-113. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.07.009

  4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Overweight and obesity: treatment. Updated March 24, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/treatment

  5. Melby CL, Paris HL, Foright RM, et al. Attenuating the biologic drive for weight regain following weight loss: must what goes down always go back up? Nutrients. 2017;9(5):468. doi:10.3390/nu9050468

  6. Cena H, Calder PC. Defining a healthy diet: evidence for the role of contemporary dietary patterns in health and disease. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):334. doi:10.3390/nu12020334

  7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating & physical activity to lose or maintain weight. Reviewed May 2023. Accessed August 5, 2024. 
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/eating-physical-activity

  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity and your weight and health. Updated December 27, 2023. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/physical-activity/index.html

  9. American Diabetes Association. Health and wellness: anaerobic exercise and diabetes. American Diabetes Association. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/anaerobic-exercise-diabetes

  10. World Health Organization. (2020). Physical activity. https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity

  11. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Potential candidates for weight-loss surgery. Reviewed September 2020. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/bariatric-surgery/potential-candidates

  12. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Weight-loss (metabolic & bariatric) surgery. Reviewed July 2016. Accessed August 5, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/bariatric-surgery