12
Talking to Your Healthcare Provider
Understanding how weight impacts
your health and the benefits of weight
management is important. It is also
important to know that weight
management is not something you
need to face alone. Weight and
weight-loss are complex issues. Your
healthcare provider can help you better
understand the different reasons for
weight gain as well as the best options
for your weight management journey.
www.YourWeightMatters.org
What to Expect
at Your First
Appointment
Discussing your weight with your healthcare
provider should be a team effort. The
relationship you have with your healthcare
provider is very important. At this first
appointment, you can expect to talk about:
• Your daily eating and physical activity
habits.
• The types of weight management options
you used in the past.
• Personal stress levels.
• Current medications (including vitamins
and supplements).
• And more.
As part of your first appointment you may be
sent for labs (blood test, urine analysis, etc.)
and have your blood pressure and pulse
checked. Your healthcare provider may also
refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist to learn
more about proper nutrition and dietary needs.
Following your healthcare provider’s advice, as
well as being open and honest with them, will
help you and your team address your weight
and improve your health.
If you do not have a healthcare
provider who specializes in talking
about weight, please visit Obesity
Care Providers powered by the
Obesity Action Coalition, founders
of the Your Weight Matters
Campaign, to find an Obesity Care
Provider in your area. To locate a
provider today, visit
www.ObesityCareProviders.com
/www.YourWeightMatters.org
/www.ObesityCareProviders.com