For a long time, weight loss was considered the most important goal of obesity treatment. The new Swiss guidelines now set different priorities: The focus is on health, quality of life, and the individual needs of those affected. The recommendations for the treatment of obesity and overweight were developed in large part with the help of experts from the University Hospital of Zurich.
About 43 percent of adults in Switzerland are overweight or obese. The new Swiss guidelines recognize obesity as a chronic, complex disease rather than a consequence of a lack of discipline or poor lifestyle choices. “The guidelines explicitly call for an empathetic, non-stigmatizing approach,” emphasizes lead author Prof. Dr. Philipp Gerber of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Clinical Nutrition. “This is important for the success of treatment,” adds Dr. Patrick Pasi of the Department of Consultation Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, who also contributed to the new recommendations: “Reducing prejudice against overweight people is essential for building trust in treatment and improving the quality of care.”
Individual Assessment Instead of Relying Solely on BMI
The body mass index (BMI) remains an important factor in diagnosis. However, the guidelines recommend also taking waist circumference and body composition into account, since BMI alone does not adequately reflect health risk. Comorbidities, mental health, physical functioning, and quality of life should also be systematically assessed. Weight loss alone is no longer the main focus. The focus is on improving general health indicators and reducing comorbidities. The goal is to help those affected regain their ability to function and move more freely in their daily lives. The guidelines also emphasize the need for individualized care for certain population groups, such as older adults, children, and pregnant women.
Early Detection and Proper Treatment
Family physicians play an important role in the early detection, treatment, and long-term care of people with obesity. In severe cases, referral to specialized obesity centers is recommended. The foundation of any treatment is lifestyle changes: a balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and behavioral therapy support. If these measures are not sufficient, modern medications (e.g., “weight-loss injections”) can be used. In cases of treatment-resistant obesity, procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may also be considered.
Guidelines on Obesity
