You go to the doctor for medication or a procedure you need in order to live a happier, healthier life. Your doctor approves but your insurance does not.

This happens frequently. A recent New York Times article , for example, highlighted how patients who qualified for a new weight loss drug were denied coverage by their health care company. Insurers claimed the treatment was just for vanity, essentially implying people should try to lose weight on their own; physicians said the medicine could be lifesaving for their patients with obesity who struggle with their weight.

Legally, insurance companies can get away with these types of weight-based assessments. Weight discrimination is legal in 49 states all but Michigan .

This specific dilemma pops up for people who are overweight or obese seeking other types of treatment as well: IVF, breast reductions, joint replacements, organ transplants, you name it. Some doctors may claim the medication for these issues may be too risky to try if youre a certain weight. Others might run into issues with their insurance agency, which might claim treatment is unnecessary if you havent tried to lose weight on your own first.

But weight loss isnt that easy. So many factors play a role in weight genetics, medicines, where you live, your cultural background and more meaning its not just an eat less and move more situation. In fact, even if we all ate and exercised the same , wed still see different numbers on the scale. Weight doesnt automatically determine whether someone is healthy.

Plus, attempts at weight loss can be triggering (and even dangerous) for some people. Research shows dieting is the most important predictor of an eating disorder , and eating disorders are the second deadliest mental illness .

But telling your insurance company all of that? Its exhausting and maybe not even effective, unfortunately. So what can you do if you want treatment for a certain issue but it wont be covered because of your weight? And how can you cope with the emotional toll of it all? Heres some advice:

Find the right doctor

Some doctors are more passionate about (and experienced in) dealing with weight stigma. Tory Strokers nutrition blog has several resources that can help you find one in your area.

My number one recommendation would be to find a doctor (or another health care provider) who will advocate for you to insurance companies, said Christine Byrne , an anti-diet dietitian and journalist. They speak the language of insurance better than the average consumer, so they might be able to make a more effective case for your coverage.

She said they could explain how denying coverage for this could lead to more expensive medical care down the road, for example. Doctors can also provide documentation , such as lab results, notes on how youve responded to other treatments, clinical guidelines for the treatment and more.

Appeal your insurances denial

You have a right to appeal your insurances decision (within 180 days ). If you go this route , call a member services representative at the insurance company and be prepared to share your insurance information, what your insurance denied, why and any details from follow-ups. Make note of when you do this and what is said.

It may involve getting doctors to write a note, compiling medical research to support the decision, writing a personal statement, said Ragen Chastain , a fat activist, researcher and writer who has a newsletter and workshops on topics like weight stigma. If that doesnt work, she said, you can get an attorney involved.

The process may take a while, but persistence is key. It might (eventually) get you coverage .

Each organization has specific required documents, but the general rule is that more information is better, added Dr. Maggie Landes , an anti-diet physician who has personally experienced weight stigma in health care. She also recommends a letter with peer-reviewed references that supports positive outcomes. Is this magic? No. But I believe every opportunity to make a tiny crack in this system of discrimination is worth the effort, Landes said.

Look into other payment options

If you have to pay for the medicine or procedure without insurance, know there are resources that can make it more affordable, such as:

• Pharmacy coupons : See if your doctor can give you a GoodRx card. Alternatively, other coupons are available through Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Xeris.

• Health care credit cards: CareCredit is a credit card you can use for out-of-pocket, health-related expenses.

• Payment plans: Ask your doctor or the front desk staff about payment plans (some of which dont charge interest).