[Surgical treatment of obesity and its side effects is effective]

Obesity is a chronic condition associated with a reduction in the quality of life and a high risk for disease and death and requiring long-term care. In Germany, 51.4% of the population is overweight, with 9 million suffering from obesity and its consequences, such as hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea. In addition, the number of patients undergoing treatment for painful chronic-degenerative disease of the joints is on the increase. After first exhausting all conservative therapeutic options, effective surgical measures can bring about a lasting overweight reduction of up to 50%. By this means, both pain and adverse consequences of obesity can be improved.