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Select treatment area Bladder & Kidneys Blood Brain & nervous system Cancer Children's health Diabetes Digestive system Ear, nose & throat Eating & weight Eyes Fertility Heart and circulation Hormones Infections Lungs & breathing Men's health Mental health Mouth Muscles & bones Pregnancy & childbirth Sexual health Skin Sleep Staying healthy Travel health Women's health

If you go to see your doctor about your weight, these are some of the questions your doctor may ask you.

• Do you think you're overweight? If so, why?
• When did you first think you were overweight?
• When did you gain most of your weight?
• Have you tried to lose weight? How many times?
• How did you try to lose weight?
• Are people in your family overweight?
• Has anyone in your family had heart disease or another serious illness?
• Are you worried about your weight?
• How does being overweight make you feel?
• Have you gained weight when taking medications for other conditions?
• What has been your heaviest weight?
• Do you smoke?
• How much exercise do you take?
• Do you have any other medical problems?
• Why do you want to lose weight?
• How much weight would you like to lose?

To find out why you're overweight, your doctor may also ask you about:^{1 2 3}

• Your eating habits and your lifestyle
• How you feel about yourself and about food
• Your family and your relationships.

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 2008. All rights reserved.