7 Signs You’re Ready for Medical Weight Loss

For many people, weight loss isn’t just about willpower, it’s about biology. If you’ve been exercising regularly, eating well and still not seeing results, it may be time to look at your metabolism from a medical perspective. Experts say there are clear indicators that lifestyle changes alone may not be enough, and that’s where medical weight-loss therapy comes in.

Featured Experts

• Eduardo Grunvald, MD is an internist and obesity medicine specialist in San Diego
• Amanda Kahn, MD is a board-certified internist in New York

1. You’re Ready to Treat Obesity as a Chronic Condition

“The question is, are you ready to treat your obesity as a chronic disease, not just lose weight?” says Dr. Grunvald. “We consider obesity a chronic metabolic disease, just like diabetes or high blood pressure. For most people who use GLP-1 medications, you have to be prepared to take them long-term, not just for a short period of time.”

2. Your Weight Is Affecting Your Health

The first step, says Dr. Grunvald, is identifying whether excess weight is causing problems. “There are three elements to this,” he explains. “One is metabolic complications like insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver or high blood pressure. Second is biomechanical issues like joint pain or sleep apnea. Third is functional or psychosocial, if your weight is interfering with your quality of life, mood or work.”

3. You’ve Been Doing Everything Right, But It’s Not Working

“In today’s environment, diet and exercise are essential, but for many people, they’re no longer enough,” says Dr. Kahn. “Our food is engineered for overconsumption, stress disrupts hormones, sleep deprivation drives insulin resistance, and environmental toxins affect metabolism. When someone is doing everything right but still struggling, it’s often a sign that biology, not willpower, is the barrier.”

4. You Show Signs of Metabolic Imbalance

If you have elevated fasting insulin, PCOS, or visceral fat accumulation, Dr. Kahn says those are early warning signs. “When someone shows early signs of metabolic imbalance, like visceral fat or hormonal disruption, it’s time to move beyond lifestyle alone and consider a targeted medical approach.”

5. You Understand It’s About Health, Not BMI

“There are guidelines,” Dr. Grunvald explains, “but BMI isn’t the whole picture. A BMI of 30 with high muscle mass might not mean you’re a good candidate, while someone with a lower BMI but weight-related health problems might be.” The focus, he says, should always be on health outcomes, not just a target number.

6. You’re Willing to Be Monitored and Guided

Before starting, Dr. Kahn recommends comprehensive testing: “I start with fasting glucose, insulin, A1C, advanced lipid testing, liver and kidney function, thyroid and hormone panels and a nutrient profile,” she says. “We recheck every three to four months to make sure the body is responding safely.” She also stresses finding a qualified provider who personalizes care, monitors progress and manages side effects thoughtfully.

7. You’re Focused on Long-Term Health, Not Quick Fixes

“The true outcome isn’t just weight loss,” says Dr. Kahn. “It’s long-term health optimization—better insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, improved energy and disease prevention.”

Dr. Grunvald adds, “These medications can be life-changing, but only if you’re prepared to see them as part of a lifelong strategy for better health.”