A conversation with your doctor about a low-calorie diet is especially useful when the plan is restrictive, you have a health condition or you take medications that can be affected by changes in food intake.
Bring the details
Write down what the plan asks you to eat or avoid, any supplements involved, and your reason for considering it. Bring your medication list and describe changes you have already tried.
Ask about fit and follow-up
Ask how the proposed plan fits your health goals and whether any monitoring or adjustments are needed. Discuss what to do if you feel unwell and when you’ll review progress.
Get help with implementation
A registered dietitian can help tailor a meal plan to your circumstances. Ask who can provide that support if you need more specific guidance between appointments.
For more detail, see NIDDK’s guide to choosing a weight-loss program. Also see What Is A Low Calorie Diet? for another part of this series.