The Patient’s Advocacy Guide for Men: Talking to Your Doctor about Weight

The Patient’s Advocacy Guide for Men: Talking to Your Doctor about Weight

Weight issues are notoriously undertreated in men and physicians have been shown to bring up treatment options such as medications or endoscopic and surgical approaches to care less frequently with male patients. Using the 5As is a great model for discussing this with your doctor.

Opening the Conversation (Ask & Assess)

If your doctor hasn’t brought up weight, or if they bring it up insensitively, use these to set the tone:

“I want to discuss my weight from a medical perspective. Can we look at my metabolic health markers (blood pressure, A1C, liver enzymes) alongside my BMI?”
“I’ve struggled with weight for a long time. Can we screen for underlying issues like sleep apnea or low testosterone that might be making weight loss harder?”

Exploring Treatment Options (Advise)

Move beyond the “eat less, move more” advice by asking about modern science:

On Medications: “Based on my health profile, would I be a candidate for GLP-1 medications or other weight-management prescriptions to help regulate my hunger hormones?”
On Procedures: “At what point should we consider referring me to a specialist for endoscopic procedures or bariatric surgery?”
On Nutrition: “Can you refer me to a Registered Dietitian (RD) who specializes in obesity medicine rather than just general nutrition?”

Creating a Sustainable Strategy (Agree)

Ensure the plan is realistic for your life as a busy man:

“What is a realistic and safe rate of weight loss for me? I want to focus on fat loss while preserving my muscle mass as much as possible.”
“How will we measure success besides the number on the scale?”
“What are the specific ‘non-negotiable’ lifestyle changes you recommend for my heart health?”

Securing Long-Term Support (Assist)

Weight management is a marathon. Ensure you have the right team:

“If we don’t see progress in three to six months, what is our ‘Plan B’?”
“Are there local support groups or resources that you recommend for men?”
“How often should we meet to monitor my progress and adjust my medications or plan?”

If you feel your doctor is being dismissive or relying on “shame-based” advice (e.g., “You just need more willpower”), it is perfectly acceptable to seek a second opinion. Look for a provider board-certified in Obesity Medicine.