Specialist for Bad Homburg: Obesity is not a lifestyle problem
Useful information on obesity for patients from the Bad Homburg region
BAD HOMBURG Patients with obesity often suffer from the preconception that their morbid obesity is a lifestyle problem rather than a disease. This is also the experience of Professor Dr med. Dr h.c. Christian Wüster, Head of the Hormone and Metabolism Centre, where he is also the contact person for patients with obesity from the Bad Homburg area. The specialist criticises the fact that interdisciplinary, comprehensive and lifelong support for patients with obesity is currently only financed by statutory health insurance companies in exceptional cases. The responsibility is often assigned to those affected, with reference to a certain lifestyle.
Specialist for the Bad Homburg region hopes for rapid adoption of the DMP Obesity
‘Even though lifestyle and diet certainly play a major role in the development of obesity, the argument is misguided. The fact that obesity is a complex interplay of biological, psychosocial and genetic factors is often ignored,’ explains Prof Wüster. Prof Wüster knows from his day-to-day treatment that there is still a widespread lack of understanding of obesity as a chronic disease.
The result is prejudice, stigmatisation and health and social inequality. In his practice, the specialist sees patients with obesity who suffer from their fate, shame and diminishing courage to face life. They face prejudice and discrimination in public, education and healthcare.
The costs of obesity for the healthcare system are high, knows specialist for Bad Homburg
Obesity is now a widespread phenomenon. In 2015, 54 per cent of adults in Germany were already overweight or obese. According to economists, the consequential costs to society amount to around 30 billion euros. In addition, people with obesity have a life expectancy that is ten years shorter. Until now, there has been a lack of structured care for patients with obesity. This is now set to change with the development of a Desease Management Programme (DMP) for obesity. Prof Wüster sees the DMP as an opportunity to provide better care for patients with morbid obesity.
