All people with overweight and obesity have the right to make decisions about their health goals and obesity care in consultation with their health provider.
Because obesity is different in every person and requires individualized care, individuals with obesity have the right to:
- Receive a clear, understandable diagnosis based on their degree of excess fat accumulation and their risk factors, such as age, smoking, family history and the presence of obesity-related comorbid conditions.
- Expect accurate and thorough information from their health provider about all safe and effective treatment options for their care. These include behavior modification, community-based programs, access to nutritional and/or mental health counseling, medical obesity management, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery.
- Expect information about treatment outcomes in easily understood language on the risks and benefits associated with each treatment and what options are not covered by health insurance.
- Seek and have coverage for a consultation with a health professional knowledgeable in obesity care regarding treatment options.
Have time to carefully consider the different treatment options before making
a decision. - Give or withhold informed consent.
- Refuse treatment.