The indications for the treatment of overweight/obese persons are a BMI > 30 or overweight with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 with concomitant obesity-related health disorders (e.g. hypertension, type II diabetes), an abdominal fat distribution pattern, diseases which are aggravated by obesity or a high degree of psychosocial pressure. The treatment objectives must remain realistic and take the individual circumstances into account.
As obesity is to be seen as a chronic disease with a tendency to recidivity, it is important that long-term weight control is guaranteed over and above the actual weight loss phase. Weight management should be founded on a basic programme which includes the components of nutrition, exercise and behaviour therapy. The indication for surgical intervention can be made after the failure of a conservative therapy in patients with obesity III (BMI > 40) or obesity II (BMI > 35) with significant co-morbidities (e.g. diabetes mellitus class 2).