Access information on common Obesity questions at Consumer Reports Health.

Obesity

Questions to ask your doctor

If you think your weight is a problem, you might want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions you can ask when you first see your doctor. And we've also listed some questions about diet, exercise, medications and surgery.

General questions

Am I overweight? If so, how overweight am I?
Why do you think I am overweight?
How much weight should I lose? How long might it take?
What will happen if I don't lose weight?
Has my weight damaged my health? How?
What is the best way for me to lose weight?
Can you help me, or will I need to see a specialist?
Once I have lost weight, how can I keep it off?
Why do I feel so bad about myself? Am I depressed?

Questions about diet and exercise

If I start to exercise, how much should I take? And how often?
What sort of exercise should I take?
What's wrong with what I eat?
How should I change what I eat?

Questions about medications

Will medication help me to lose weight?
Which medication will work best for me?
What are the side effects?
How long will I need to take it?

Questions about surgery

Is surgery an option for me?
What are the pros and cons of surgery?
How much weight will I lose if I have surgery?

This information was last updated on May 01, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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