Weight Management and Obesity Treatment in Germany: A Representative Survey on Strategies, Infrastructure, and Barriers

Einleitung: Effective implementation strategies are needed to improve obesity care on a population level. GP referrals to weight management programs were shown to support meaningful weight loss in England and may help reach more individuals when delivered proactively through primary care. In Germany, GPs can prescribe digital health applications (DiGAs) for obesity treatment. However, the uptake of this opportunity and the frequency of broader weight-related conversations in general practice remain largely unclear. It is further unknown what alternative weight management strategies individuals seek in Germany, including commercial and pharmacological treatments.

Methoden: We are conducting a representative online survey of adults with a BMI≥25 (target N=2,000), assessing awareness, willingness, use, and perceived barriers related to various potential weight management strategies, including GP conversations, DiGAs, commercial programs, and medications. Demographic and psychosocial variables are assessed to explore subgroup differences.

Ergebnisse: Data collection is ongoing. Preliminary descriptive results on awareness, usage, and reported barriers to different treatment options will be available by the conference date in October 2025.

Schlussfolgerung: This study will map the use of public and private obesity treatment pathways in Germany, identify care gaps, and inform strategies to improve access to weight management services.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. September 2025