Finding a healthcare provider to treat obesity or overweight

Overweight and obesity are medical conditions where the body has too much adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is commonly referred to as body fat. This tissue stores energy, produces hormones, helps regulate temperature, and protects organs.

Having too much adipose tissue can lead to many different health problems and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, and joint problems. Overweight and obesity are also associated with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, and an overall lower quality of life.

If you are living with overweight or obesity, it’s important to know that these conditions are treatable. The first step in treatment is finding a healthcare provider. This can be a primary care provider, an obesity specialist, or a specialist like an endocrinologist. Some people may also work with multiple healthcare providers with different specialties.

Below is a look at taking this first step in treatment, including an overview of treatment options, strategies for finding a healthcare provider, and what to look for in a healthcare provider.

How are obesity and overweight treated?

No two treatment plans are exactly alike, because no two people are exactly alike. A treatment plan for obesity or overweight should consider:

• Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference
• Results of other tests and exams, such as body composition tests and bloodwork
• Medical history and family medical history
• Coexisting health conditions and concerns
• Weight loss treatments or interventions you have tried in the past
• How weight is affecting quality of life and mental health
• Lifestyle, including work and/or other responsibilities, sleep, eating habits, and activity level

Treatment usually involves a combination of methods

Changes to eating habits and exercise routines are typically a part of every treatment plan. Patient education, counseling, and social support are also important parts of treatment. These are essential to helping a person understand the condition, how it can be treated, goal setting, and making sustainable changes.

Anti-obesity medications like GLP-1 agonists and dual-action GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists have become an important part of treatment for many people. These medications act on hormone receptors in the body to regulate appetite, improve satiety, and support weight loss. These medications are typically prescribed for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have at least one serious weight-related health condition.

Weight loss surgery, called bariatric surgery, may be recommended in cases where a person has a BMI greater than 35, or a BMI greater than 30 with at least one major coexisting condition.

A treatment plan should not only focus on weight reduction but should also include a plan for maintaining weight loss.

How can you find a healthcare provider?

The type of healthcare provider you work with will depend on the type of treatment you are seeking. For example, if you are treating with an anti-obesity medication, you will need to work with a healthcare provider with the proper licensing to prescribe this type of medication.

There are several ways to search for a healthcare provider:

• Ask for recommendations from a healthcare provider you are already working with, or one you have worked with in the past, such as a primary care provider.
• Check your health insurance provider’s website for in-network providers and specialists. Most insurance sites have a search feature.
• Search online for obesity treatment in your area. It can be helpful to read reviews left by other patients, if available.
• Ask for recommendations from friends or family members.

Choosing a healthcare provider

Once you have a list of potential providers, consider the following:

• What types of treatment do they offer? Does this align with the treatment that you are looking for?
• What training, education, and experience do they have in treating obesity or overweight?
• Do they have experience working with people with similar health concerns and backgrounds as your own?
• How do you feel after meeting with them? Do you feel this is someone you could have a good working relationship with? Does their treatment plan make sense to you?
• What are the costs, and does your insurance cover these services?

Building a good relationship with your provider

Successful treatment requires openness and honesty, and you should feel confident that your provider is committed to helping you reach your goals.

If you don’t feel comfortable or aren’t making progress, it’s okay to seek out another provider who may be a better fit. Finding the right match can take time, but it can make a difference in success.