[New therapeutic options in obesity]

The basis for a therapeutic concept for obesity comprises specific measures aimed at changing inappropriate lifestyle habits (overeating, unsuitable diet, sedentary lifestyle) and psychological counseling (identification of bad eating habits, motivation, intensive coaching). Education by a physician on an individual or small-group basis, with emphasis on the practical implementation of fitness training (endurance and muscle building!), together with modification of the diet, has proved successful. In parallel with this, supportive anti-obesity medication makes a useful contribution to weight reduction and the control of risk factors. Evidence-based anti-obesity drugs such as sibutramine and orlistat facilitate the start of weight reduction, thus providing additional motivation of success, and support the long-term effect by stabilizing the weight loss. Health insurance carriers should, in future, selectively support evaluated and approved medication-based and non-medication-based weight-reduction programs, and reimburse the patient who has successfully participated in one.