At Your Appointment

Weight Control Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Has a doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with obesity?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
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Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Weight Control If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
• What do you eat during a typical day? What are the portion sizes?
• How much physical activity do you get each day?
• What factors do you think contribute to weight gain for you?
• How does your weight affect your daily life and relationships?
• What are your goals in terms of weight and overall health?
• Are you willing to make permanent lifestyle changes?
• What was your weight when you were a teenager?
• When during your life have experienced weight gain?
• Has your weight gain been linked to specific life events?
• What other medical conditions do you have?
• What medications do you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines and supplements?
• Are any of your family members overweight or obese?
• What side effects are you experiencing from your weight-loss medication?
• What weight-loss treatments or strategies have you tried so far?
• What new symptoms are you experiencing?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Control Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• Am I overweight or obese?
• What are the criteria for diagnosing obesity or being overweight?
• Could a medical condition be causing or contributing to my weight?
• What health problems are related to being overweight or obese?
• What lifestyle factors are contributing to my weight gain?
• How can I overcome the factors that have prevented me from losing weight in the past?
• What is a healthy weight for me? What is a realistic weight-loss goal?
• Has my weight affected my physical health?
• What treatment plan do you recommend?
• Should I work with a dietitian or a counselor? Can you recommend one with experience with people like me?
• Could a different medication work better for me?
• Are my new or different symptoms related to my weight?
• What is the best treatment plan for my weight-loss goals? Am I a candidate for medical treatment or weight-loss surgery?

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