The human body is programmed to defend itself against weight loss, actively trying to maintain a set point determined by your heaviest past weight.

Your GP will offer an evidence-based approach to weight management. Unlike fad diets and weight loss gimmicks, your weight management plan will be based on science, making it both achievable and maintainable. Your treatment plan will depend on the level of overweight or obesity you have, your overall health and your level of motivation to make changes to your lifestyle and complete a treatment program.

When you talk to your GP, it is important to be honest about your level of concern about your health, what you have done to try and lose weight in the past, how much your everyday life is affected by your weight and how committed you are to making long-term lifestyle changes.

You may want to ask your GP about the science behind weight gain, possible health risks for you related to your weight, what the treatment options are, how long treatment will last and how much weight you can realistically expect to lose.

Remember you are not alone. In New Zealand, over 60% of adults are either overweight or obese. Your GP will have had conversations with patients who have had overweight or obesity many times before.