Aubrey Gordon’s new book: how to talk to your doctor about this

Why Doctor Conversations About Weight Often Fail

I’ve seen how weight bias in medical settings leaves patients in their 40s and 50s feeling dismissed. Aubrey Gordon’s new book shines a light on this exact problem, showing how routine visits turn into lectures about “eat less, move more” while ignoring joint pain, hormonal changes, diabetes management, and blood pressure concerns. Her work reveals that doctors receive minimal nutrition training—often less than 20 hours in medical school—leading to one-size-fits-all advice that fails people who’ve already tried every diet.

Prepare Before the Appointment Using Gordon’s Framework

Gordon’s methodology emphasizes entering conversations with clear data and specific goals. Track your blood sugar patterns, blood pressure readings, and joint pain levels for two weeks prior. Write down three concrete questions: “Given my hormonal changes in perimenopause, what targeted tests would you recommend?” or “My insurance doesn’t cover programs—what affordable options exist that fit my busy schedule?” This preparation counters the overwhelm of conflicting nutrition advice and builds confidence when discussing obesity.

Key Phrases That Shift the Conversation

Use language directly inspired by Aubrey Gordon’s new book to redirect focus from shame to solutions. Instead of accepting “just lose weight,” say: “I’m looking for root-cause approaches that address my insulin resistance while respecting my joint limitations.” Request referrals to registered dietitians specializing in metabolic health or endocrinologists familiar with midlife hormonal shifts. In my practice, patients who frame requests around measurable outcomes—like lowering A1C by 1.5 points or walking pain-free for 20 minutes—see dramatically better results than those who simply ask for weight loss help.

Building a Long-Term Health Partnership

Gordon teaches that effective advocacy means treating the doctor as a collaborator, not an authority handing down judgment. Follow up visits with a one-page summary of your progress using my CFP Weight Loss tracking method, which prioritizes energy levels, sleep quality, and medication reduction over scale numbers. This approach helps manage diabetes and hypertension alongside gradual fat loss, typically 1-2 pounds per week when inflammation is addressed first. Remember, you deserve care that fits your middle-income reality and limited time—no complex meal plans required. Start small: book that appointment, bring your notes, and speak up using these proven strategies.