 [ Symptoms ] do i need to see a doctor before starting a weight loss program [ Disease ] unless you have a chronic illness or take regular medications you do not really need medical supervision when you are starting a weight loss program even if you are obese there are hundreds of diet books at your local bookstore and i doubt that following any of them would cause any harm while a really extreme low calorie diet – 500 calories or so – could be risky nobody can really stick to that anyway however i do think you should include your doctor as part of your support system and ideally as a lifestyle coach your doctor can help you monitor your progress as well as provide external accountability