Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Below are some Frequently Asked Questions you might find helpful. If you have a question you do not see below, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Ask Us button.
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by many factors, including biology, genetics, hormones, medications, health conditions, environment, stress, sleep and access to resources. It is not simply a matter of willpower.
Understanding the factors that may be affecting your weight can help you and your healthcare professional develop an individualized approach to your health.
No single number can provide a complete picture of your health. Body mass index, or BMI, is one screening measure. A healthcare professional may also consider your medical history, blood pressure, laboratory results, medications, sleep, mobility, mental health and other factors.
Ask your healthcare professional what measures are most relevant to your individual health rather than relying on BMI alone.
Yes. Health improvements do not always require a dramatic change on the scale. For some people, losing about 5% of their starting weight may improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Your personal goals should be based on your health, needs and quality of life, not only a number on the scale. A healthcare professional can help you identify goals that are safe and meaningful for you.
The tests you need depend on your health history, symptoms, medications and risk factors. A healthcare professional may recommend checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, liver health or other measures. Blood tests are only one part of a complete health assessment.
Ask which screenings are appropriate for you and how often you should receive them. Obesity can be associated with health conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.
You deserve care that considers your health, goals and circumstances. Consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about obesity care.
Before your visit, write down your questions, health concerns, medications and treatments you have already tried. You can also use the Your Weight Matters Challenge to help prepare for the conversation.
Helpful resources include:
Write down your health concerns, symptoms, medications, past experiences and questions. Consider asking:
- Could my weight be affecting my health?
- Are any of my medications or health conditions affecting my weight?
- What treatment options are available to me?
- What are the potential benefits, risks and costs?
- How will we measure progress beyond the scale?
- When should we follow up?
You may also want to bring a trusted family member or friend to the appointment for support. Download the Your Weight Matters Toolkit.
Obesity care is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, treatment may include nutrition support, physical activity, behavioral health support, medication, metabolic and bariatric surgery or a combination of approaches.
The right approach depends on your health, goals, preferences, medical history and access to care. A healthcare professional can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of each option. Learn more about obesity treatment options in OAC’s Understanding Your Obesity Treatment Options Brochure.
Obesity is a chronic disease and often requires ongoing care. The type and duration of treatment will vary from person to person.
Do not stop a prescribed medication or change your treatment plan without talking with your healthcare professional. Together, you can discuss treatment benefits, side effects, costs, coverage changes and other options.
A treatment not producing the desired result is not a personal failure. Obesity is complex and people respond differently to different approaches.
Talk with your healthcare professional about what you have tried, what was helpful, what was difficult and whether another treatment or combination of treatments may be appropriate. Your care plan may need to change over time as your health, needs and circumstances change.
Look for a healthcare professional who listens without judgment, recognizes obesity as a chronic disease and discusses the full range of evidence-based treatment options.
Consider asking:
- What experience do you have treating obesity?
- How will my treatment plan be individualized?
- What treatment options do you offer or refer people to?
- How will we measure changes in my health beyond weight?
- How often will we review and adjust my care plan?
Use the Obesity Care Providers locator to find a healthcare professional in your area.
Begin with care, not assumptions. Avoid commenting on the person’s body, food choices or weight. Ask whether they want to talk and listen to what kind of support would be helpful.
You might say, “I care about you and want to support your health. Is there anything you would like from me?” Respect their decision if they do not want to discuss it. Conversations should center on the person’s well-being, needs and preferences.
You are not alone and you deserve support without judgment. Consider talking with a mental health professional, primary care professional or another trusted member of your healthcare team. Let them know how you have been feeling and whether weight bias, body image concerns, eating behaviors or previous healthcare experiences are contributing.
You deserve respectful and appropriate healthcare. If you feel comfortable doing so, tell the healthcare professional how the interaction affected you and explain what you need to feel respected and supported.
You may also:
- Ask that your concerns be documented in your medical record
- Speak with the practice manager or patient relations department
- Bring a trusted support person to future appointments
- Request appropriate equipment, such as a correctly sized blood pressure cuff
- Seek another healthcare professional if you are not receiving respectful or appropriate care
OAC’s Stop Weight Bias resources can help you recognize weight bias, respond to it and support efforts to eliminate it.
Cost and insurance barriers can make it difficult to access care. You may be able to find lower-cost services through a federally funded community health center, local public health department, teaching clinic or hospital financial-assistance program. Community health centers provide care regardless of a person’s ability to pay and adjust fees based on income. Find a Health Center
You can also:
- Ask a healthcare office whether it offers a sliding-fee scale or payment plan
- Review insurance options and financial assistance through HealthCare.gov
- Ask whether virtual visits or community-based programs are available
- Contact your insurer or employer to ask which obesity treatments are covered
- Ask your healthcare professional about lower-cost treatment alternatives
- Use OAC’s free education and support resources while pursuing professional care
If you have Medicare Part D, you may qualify for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. This temporary program provides eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 medications used for obesity care for a $50 monthly copay. Eligibility requirements apply. Learn more, including how to determine whether you may qualify, on OAC’s Medicare GLP-1 Bridge page.