Fatlos › When to see a GP about your weight
When to see a GP about your weight
You do not have to manage your weight alone. A GP or practice nurse can check your health, discuss options and point you to NHS support.
Good reasons to book
- Your BMI is 30 or above, or your waist measurement is more than half your height (see the numbers).
- You have a long-term condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea or joint problems.
- You have tried losing weight and found it hard to keep going.
- You gain weight and do not know why.
- You take medicines that may affect weight.
- You are planning pregnancy or are pregnant.
See a GP promptly if
- You lose weight without trying, especially with tiredness, changes in bowel habit, a lump, or loss of appetite.
- You have severe swelling, breathlessness or chest pain.
- You are very underweight (BMI under 18.5).
- You are skipping meals, making yourself sick or worried about food (see support).
In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice you can use NHS 111.
What a GP can do
- Measure your weight, height, waist and blood pressure.
- Check for causes, such as an underactive thyroid, and review medicines.
- Order tests, such as for blood sugar or cholesterol.
- Talk about the NHS weight loss plan (outline).
- Refer you to local weight management services, or discuss medicines and surgery where you meet the criteria.
Preparing for the appointment
- Write down your concerns and questions.
- List your medicines and any supplements.
- Note what you have tried before and what helped.
- Think about what you hope to get from the visit.
Many practices offer weight management appointments with a practice nurse, health coach or healthcare assistant. Pharmacies also give free advice and can point you to local services.
Talking about weight
Some people avoid the GP because they worry about being judged. You can ask for a clinician who listens, and say what you want to talk about. You can ask for a clinician who listens and talks about weight respectfully and without blame.
Children and young people
For children, the approach is different. Speak to a GP, school nurse or health visitor. Children are measured against growth charts, and diets for children should not be restricted without advice. The NHS has more information on its children's pages.
Next steps
Browse the FAQ or start with how fast to lose weight.
Follow-up and ongoing support
Weight is rarely sorted in one visit. A GP or practice nurse may suggest check-ups, measuring progress against goals you agree together. If something is not working, say so. Support can be changed, whether that is a different programme, more frequent contact or a review of options. Also tell the practice if you are struggling with mood, as low mood and weight problems often affect each other and treatment for one can help the other.
Using your pharmacy
Pharmacists can often give advice on healthy weight, review your medicines for side effects that affect weight, and tell you about local services, without an appointment in most cases.
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before making big changes, especially if you have a health condition, take medicines, are pregnant or are under 18.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment to talk about my weight?
Yes, usually. You can also speak to a pharmacist without an appointment.
Will my GP judge me?
NICE guidance asks professionals to be respectful and non-judgemental. You can ask for a different clinician.
What if I lose weight without trying?
See a GP, as unexplained weight loss needs checking.