Treating overweight and obesity sustainably

Obesity treatment: Understanding the causes & finding help

Obesity is more than just being overweight – it is considered a chronic disease and can have a severe physical and psychological impact. The good news is that obesity is treatable. With medical support, behavioral changes and individual advice, you can actively combat obesity and improve your health.

Abstract

• Obesity is a form of overweight with an increased health risk.
• Targeted medical treatment can help you lose weight in the long term.
• Obesity treatment at TeleClinic costs €37.54

Difference: overweight and obesity

Overweight means that the body weight is above the recommended level – usually measured using the body mass index (BMI). However, obesity is only defined as a BMI of 30 or more. This is where the disease begins – with a significantly increased risk of comorbidities.

• BMI 25-29.9: Overweight
• BMI 30-34.9: Obesity grade I
• BMI 35-39.9: Obesity grade II
• BMI from 40: obesity grade III (severe obesity)

What symptoms and comorbidities occur with obesity?

Obesity is not just about appearance – it affects many bodily functions and increases the risk of various chronic diseases. The higher the BMI and the longer the obesity persists, the more likely it is that secondary problems will occur.

• Shortness of breath & low resilience – even during everyday activities
• Joint and back pain due to high mechanical stress
• High blood pressure & lipometabolic disorders
• Type 2 diabetes – obesity is one of the biggest risk factors
• Sleep apnea – breathing stops at night, often unnoticed
• Hormonal disorders – e.g. menstrual irregularities or infertility
• Mental stress such as depression, low self-esteem or social isolation

Many of these symptoms develop gradually – which is why an early medical assessment makes sense. Structured obesity treatment can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent secondary diseases.

When does obesity treatment make sense?

The earlier obesity is treated, the better secondary diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes or joint problems can be avoided. Medically supervised treatment helps you to break the cycle of dieting, frustration and relapses.

What does obesity treatment cost?

Obesity treatment through TeleClinic is a personalized service for self-pay patients and costs a one-time fee of €37.54. During an online consultation with a doctor, your personal situation will be medically assessed—including tips for weight loss and possible next steps.
At present, TeleClinic only offers obesity treatments to patients paying out of their own pocket

How does the treatment at TeleClinic work?

• Fill in the medical questionnaire
• Book an online appointment in just a few clicks
• Medical consultation via video – without a waiting room
• Individual advice on obesity treatment

You can then take further measures such as nutritional therapy, exercise recommendations or, if necessary, medication support – depending on the doctor’s recommendation.

Preparation for the online appointment

In order to provide you with individual and professional advice, the doctor will ask you a few questions during the video consultation. Here are some possible questions that you can use to prepare yourself:

• How long have you been overweight?
• Have you taken steps to lose weight in the past?
• Do you have a family predisposition to obesity?
• Have you ever taken medication for obesity?
• Do you have any chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions?
• Do you have specific goals for your weight and health?

Obesity treatment via health insurance – what is covered?

In Germany, the assumption of costs for obesity treatments has not yet been uniformly regulated. Many statutory health insurance companies cover individual components such as nutritional advice or exercise therapy – but often only with prior approval and in the form of group programs.
At present, TeleClinic only offers obesity treatments to patients paying out of their own pocket

What can you do to combat obesity?

Successful treatment is based on various pillars that are combined over the long term:

• Changing your diet: permanent change instead of short-term diets
• Exercise: Regular activity integrated into everyday life – even on a small scale
• Behavioral therapy: support in establishing new routines and dealing with emotional eating
• Medication: only if medically necessary – always accompanied by a doctor

Frequently asked questions about obesity treatment

Which medications help with obesity?

In certain cases, the use of medications such as GLP-1 analogs can be useful. However, such treatment should only be started after a medical examination and explanation. It does not replace behavioral change, but complements it.

Is obesity treatment fully covered by health insurance?

At present, TeleClinic only offers obesity treatments to self-paying patients (€37.54).

How does the appointment work?

You book an appointment online, speak to a doctor via video and then receive recommendations, prescriptions or certificates at the doctor’s discretion – conveniently via app.

Conclusion: it pays to act early

Obesity can be stressful – physically and emotionally. But you don’t have to go it alone. With medically supervised treatment via TeleClinic, you receive professional support – discreet, uncomplicated and even free of charge with many health insurance companies.