When it comes to weight loss, there are a lot of different options available. You can try to do it on your own, you can join a gym, or you can work with an online weight loss doctor. There are pros and cons to each of these options, and it’s important to consider all of them before making a decision. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 questions you should ask yourself when considering an online weight loss doctor. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the right doctor for you!
There may be many reasons someone would consider an online weight management program. Perhaps exercise and a healthy diet has not tipped the scales towards losing weight. Maybe there has been a more extensive weight loss journey or even a formal weight loss program or diet plan. But the extra pounds have stubbornly hung on.
Maybe a doctor has determined that in order to improve overall health, there is a need for medical weight loss. But he or she doesn’t have expertise in weight management. There is no weight loss clinic accepting new patients nearby or patients need to wait too long for the first new patient appointment.
Whatever the reasons this blog article piqued your interest. Here are 10 Questions to ask when considering an online weight loss doctor.
Who is the doctor and what is his or her expertise?
Determining whether or not a weight loss doctor is an expert in his or her field can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider. Including the individual’s education, professional experience, and even their personal approach to weight loss. Ideally, you should look for a doctor who has extensive training and extensive hands-on experience working with patients. Their professional background as well as any certifications they have earned in the field should reflect.
- Are they board-certified in their field?
- Have they become a diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine?
- Is their medical license current and in good standing?
- Are they treating the appropriate age group? (For example, a pediatrician should be treating children and an internal medicine doctor should be treating adults)?
- Do they have relevant experience (ideally several years) treating patients with excess weight?
Beyond this, though, it is also important to evaluate your potential doctor on a more personal level. Do they seem like someone who knows their stuff and will take the time to get to know you and understand your needs? Your success will depend on finding the right treatment plan as well as the right guide.
Will the doctors use any additional staff like nurse practitioners, counselors, or exercise medicine specialists?
After the first visit, will other physicians or practitioners play a role in treatment, or is each visit with the same physician? Are there any specialist doctors involved or any special services like nutritionists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and physical therapists? If these services are available, how are they incorporated into the online weight loss clinic?
What are the typical results when someone follows the doctor’s recommendations?
What information can the weight loss program share about outcomes one can expect if they follow the plan? And what percentage of people reach their weight loss goals? Does body mass index, labs, eating patterns or some other markers help monitor health progress?
What payment is required – and are there any additional costs?
Some programs have a monthly cost, some a total program cost, some bill insurance and some are self-pay. It is important that you understand the payment structure and any additional costs that could occur. If food is sold as part of the treatment plan is that included in the cost, or is that an additional cost each week?
Is prescription weight loss medication regularly used?
Prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate for some people with excess weight, but not all. If medications are a part of the treatment program, who will prescribe the weight loss medications? will I get these from my local pharmacy or do I have to pick it up directly through the clinic. Are there a variety of medications prescribed, or does the clinic rely solely on one or two prescription weight loss medications?
Everyone’s weight loss journey is different, what happens if I don’t lose weight?
Every person has a different appetite, brain and life. How does the treatment adjust in situations where a person does not lose weight? Are alternate eating and exercise plans available? Are specific individual plans available, or does each patient get the same plan?
Does the program philosophy align with my weight loss goals?
It is also important that you choose a program whose philosophy aligns with your own goals. Some programs focus on helping patients lose a certain amount of weight quickly while others focus on slower, sustainable weight loss. Make sure that their treatment plan sounds reasonable to you and feels like something you could stick with for the long haul.
How does the online weight loss clinic communicate my treatment plan with my primary care physician?
Your weight loss journey is just one aspect of your health. How do each visit and each medication is communicating with your regular physician? Let’s say for example you are on a diabetes medication – and after reducing weight a diabetes medication might need an adjustment – who would make that medication adjustment and how would the different teams communicate?
What is follow-up like?
How often do you meet with your dr? Are visits by video chat appointments, telephone, or e-mail? Does this fit with your schedule and provide you the appropriate amount of support?
How do I communicate with the weight loss team?
What support can you expect if you have a question about a prescription, diet, food or nutrition? Is communication simple and efficient, or does the office have an extensive telephone tree to get answers to questions?
The decision to seek out an online weight loss doctor is a big one and that’s why it is not a good idea to take it lightly. With a little research, though, you can find the right program for you.
Asking these ten questions is a great start – but before making a decision, always discuss it with your doctor or another qualified medical professional.
Written by Natasha Agbai, pediatrician and founder of Weight Loss For Kids. At Weight Loss For Kids, we are on a mission to change the trajectory of children’s health and empower families to live a healthier and happier life together.
