Can doctors help with weight loss? Everything you need to know

Doctors may be able to help you lose weight in a number of ways, like assessing you for treatment, prescribing medication, and providing a weight loss plan.

Performing a medical evaluation and/or provide a diagnosis

When you consult a doctor about help with weight loss, they will start by assessing underlying causes of weight gain. Many people gain weight and become overweight or obese because of factors such as:

• lifestyle and habits
• medications
• hormonal imbalances
• age

Discussing these factors with your doctor will help them to make the right recommendations and treatment plan for you.

During your initial consultation, your doctor should also look for and, if necessary, diagnose conditions like obesity or related illnesses.

Obesity is diagnosed when someone has a body mass index (BMI) above 30. BMI is calculated by dividing an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared.

Providing personalised weight loss plans

Doctors can work with you to create a personalised weight loss plan and provide you with advice on eating a healthy, balanced diet and increasing your physical activity and exercise level. They may also be able to refer you to dieticians or nutritionists or to specialised weight loss management programs.

Prescribing medications

If you are eligible, your doctor may be able to help you lose weight by prescribing medication. However, these prescription medications are not appropriate for everyone, so your doctor will work out if you meet the eligibility criteria during your consultation.

To receive a prescription for weight loss you must have either:

• a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more
• a BMI of 27 or more, and other weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes

A range of prescription medications for weight loss are now available in the UK, including weight loss injections, tablets, and appetite suppressants.

Weight loss injections

Weight loss injections are a type of medication called GLP-1 receptor agonists that work to reduce your appetite and make you feel fuller between meals. They include: semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or liraglutide (Nevolat).

It is important for a doctor to get a good overview of your personal health before they can help you with weight loss. They can do this in a few different ways.

Reviewing your medical history

Your doctor may ask questions about your health history, including your eating habits, exercise level, and weight gain. They may also ask about any existing medical problems you have, medications you take, and your familial medical history with obesity and related diseases.

Giving you a physical examination and lab tests

A doctor will usually perform a physical examination when discussing treatments for weight loss with you. This examination may include calculating your BMI, measuring your waist circumference, and checking your blood pressure.

A doctor may also order further tests and lab tests to check for health issues that can cause or contribute to weight gain. You can expect to have tests such as:

• blood tests to check blood sugar levels for diabetes
• thyroid tests
• cholesterol tests
• blood tests to check liver and kidney function
• tests to check the rhythm of your heart

Setting realistic goals and expectations

Everyone's weight loss journey is different. Based on their assessment of you and on information you provide, your doctor will be able to set achievable goals tailored to you and assess how much weight you can expect to lose within a realistic time frame.

An initial consultation with a doctor about help to lose weight doesn’t have to be scary. Asking for help is in the best interests of your health and wellbeing, so don't be put off by nerves and waiting times.

Start the conversation

You may find the following questions and phrases useful when approaching the topic of help with weight loss in your appointment:

• “I’ve been struggling with my weight and need advice.”
• “Can you help me create a weight loss plan?”
• “What types of weight loss treatments would you recommend for me?”
• “What are some healthy ways to lose weight and avoid gaining it back?”
• “How can I change my diet and eating habits?”
• “What would be a healthy weight for me?”
• “Could my weight be related to my health concerns?”

Advocate for yourself during the appointment

It’s important that you feel listened to during your appointment. In order to have a productive discussion with your doctor about losing weight you should:

• ask for clarification on advice or recommendations
• request referrals to specialists if necessary
• be persistent if your concerns aren’t addressed
• ask a family member or friend to go with you to the appointment to take notes

Discuss your treatment options

If you are wondering about your treatment options for weight loss, it will help to do a little research before your appointment to make for a more productive conversation.

You can ask your doctor if you would be eligible for weight loss medications, like Wegovy or Mounjaro, or surgery. Remember to enquire about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of treatments.

Your GP may be able to help you with weight loss and a GP will usually be the first port of call. However, waiting times can be long and GPs may have limited resources but don’t be discouraged if this is the case.

If you are obese, a GP can and should offer advice about following a healthy lifestyle and how to lose weight through diet and exercise. They can also make you aware of local groups and services for weight loss.

A GP may also be able to refer you to specialists if necessary, especially if you have underlying conditions associated with obesity such as type-2 diabetes or high blood pressure.