What factors may be affecting my weight and metabolic health?
Health Conditions
Obesity
Your health is more than a number on the scale
Obesity is a complex, chronic condition influenced by many factors, including biology, environment, metabolism, and daily habits. Lifestyle medicine takes a whole-person approach to care. The focus is on improving your metabolic health, strength, function, and overall well-being, not simply reducing weight or BMI.
Proactive care
Obesity is not caused by any one factor. Your health can be shaped by a combination of:
- Biology, including hormones, metabolism, and appetite regulation
- Nutrition and the food environment around you
- Physical activity, strength, and muscle health
- Sleep and recovery
- Stress and behavioral patterns
- Social and environmental factors
These factors can interact and change over time. Lifestyle medicine brings them together as part of personalized, coordinated care that considers your health, needs, goals, and daily life.
Questions to ask your care team
Which lifestyle changes could make the biggest difference for my health and daily function?
What should we track beyond weight to understand whether my health is improving?
Would medication or other treatments be appropriate for me, and how would they fit into my overall care plan?
What additional support could help me, such as a dietitian, health coach, care team, or group program?
Moving Your Body on Obesity Management Medications
Practical guidance for incorporating physical activity while using medication for obesity management.
Best for: People taking obesity management medication who want to safely maintain or increase physical activity.
Use with your clinician: Bring questions like, “What kinds of movement can help me maintain strength and support my health while taking this medication?” to your next visit.
Important: Begin at a safe and realistic level. Ask for individualized guidance if you have pain, weakness, dizziness, balance concerns, or other health conditions.
Obesity and Plant-Based Nutrition
An introduction to how nutrient-dense, plant-predominant eating may support weight-related and cardiometabolic health.
Best for: People who want to explore a sustainable, health-focused approach to nutrition as part of obesity care.
Use with your clinician: Bring questions like, “How can I build satisfying plant-based meals that meet my nutritional and health needs?” to your next visit.
Important: Obesity is a complex chronic disease. Nutrition is one part of care and should not be framed as a test of willpower or personal responsibility.
Thinking About GLP-1 Medications: A Patient Decision Aid
A guide to help patients discuss the potential benefits, risks, and practical considerations of GLP-1 medications with their healthcare team.
Best for: People considering GLP-1 medication as part of obesity or weight-related health management.
Use with your clinician: Bring questions like, “What benefits, side effects, costs, and long-term considerations should I weigh before starting a GLP-1 medication?” to your next visit.
Important: GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone and should be used under medical supervision as part of an individualized care plan.