Obesity in Switzerland: understanding the disease and treating it lastingly

Obesity is neither a weakness nor simply a matter of appearance: it is a chronic, complex and common disease that affects a significant part of the Swiss population and increases the risk of many other diseases. It can be treated, but rarely by a diet alone. Effective care combines precise diagnosis, the search for causes, diet, physical activity, sleep, psychological support and, increasingly, medicines whose effectiveness has profoundly changed the picture. Surgery remains reserved for severe forms that do not respond sufficiently to these treatments. This page helps you understand obesity, its causes, consequences, assessment and all the non-surgical treatments available in Switzerland, along with their insurance coverage. For surgery, see our guide to obesity surgery.

Obesity is defined from a body mass index of 30, also taking into account waist circumference and associated conditions. Care begins with the GP through an assessment: causes, medicines involved, associated conditions, habits, sleep and psychological experience. Treatment combines lasting dietary changes, suitable physical activity, behavioural support and, depending on the situation, medicines. Modest weight loss of five to ten per cent already clearly improves health. In Switzerland, medical consultations, dietetics on prescription and certain programmes and medicines can be covered by basic insurance under certain conditions. Budget guidelines are on our page on obesity care prices in Switzerland.

Obesity is excess body fat with consequences for health. It is recognised as a chronic disease by health organisations, because it results from lasting biological weight-regulation mechanisms, tends to persist and progress without treatment, and is accompanied by complications. It is most often measured by body mass index, supplemented by waist circumference and assessment of associated conditions.

Not all obesity is alike: fat distribution, age of onset, causes, associated conditions and personal experience vary greatly from person to person. That is why care must be personalised, and why one-size-fits-all approaches such as standardised diets often fail in the long term.

Weight is regulated by a constant dialogue between the digestive tract, fat tissue and the brain. After a meal, the intestine releases hormones that signal fullness; when fasting, the stomach produces a hormone that stimulates hunger. Fat tissue secretes leptin, which tells the brain the level of reserves. A region of the brain, the hypothalamus, integrates these signals to adjust appetite and energy expenditure. Added to this basic system are the pleasure and reward circuits, sensitive to the taste of food, emotions and the environment.

In people with obesity, this system is often disrupted: fullness signals are less effective, the brain becomes less sensitive to leptin, and the reward circuits are more strongly stimulated by highly palatable foods. This is what makes weight loss so hard to achieve and maintain through willpower alone.

For a long time, obesity was seen as a simple behavioural problem, treated with diet advice and willpower. Very restrictive diets, appetite suppressants with sometimes serious side effects and guilt-inducing recommendations marked decades, with disappointing long-term results. The discovery of leptin in the 1990s and of intestinal hormones profoundly changed the understanding of obesity as a disease of weight regulation.

Today, obesity is recognised as a chronic disease, and its care relies on an overall, personalised and lasting approach, enriched by much more effective medicines and by surgery for severe forms.

Not all fat has the same effect on health. Fat located around the organs, in the abdomen, is the most active: it releases inflammatory substances and fatty acids that disrupt the action of insulin and encourage diabetes, high blood pressure, excess fat in the liver and cardiovascular disease. Fat under the skin of the hips and thighs is less dangerous. That is why waist circumference is an important indicator, and why even modest weight loss, which reduces abdominal fat first, clearly improves health.

Excess fat tissue is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation, subtle but persistent, which contributes to many complications: insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, excess fat in the liver, certain pain and certain cancers. Weight loss, physical activity and a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fibre and healthy fats reduce this inflammation.

In many people with obesity, cells respond less well to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar into cells. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, which encourages fat storage and hunger. Over time, it can become exhausted, and type 2 diabetes appears. Insulin resistance can be detected by blood tests. It improves with physical activity, weight loss, reducing fast-acting sugars and certain medicines.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common complication of obesity: the vast majority of people with this type of diabetes are overweight or obese. The risk increases with weight and especially with abdominal fat. The good news is that weight loss is one of the most effective treatments for type 2 diabetes: a loss of ten to fifteen per cent can, in some patients, lead to remission, particularly when diabetes is recent. The new anti-obesity medicines, originally developed for diabetes, act on both diseases at once.

Regular blood-sugar screening is recommended for anyone with obesity, as prediabetes and early diabetes are often silent.

Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. This risk is linked directly to fat tissue and indirectly to diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea. Weight loss, physical activity, a Mediterranean-style diet and treating risk factors reduce this risk. Recent studies have shown that certain anti-obesity medicines also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people at risk.

Sleep apnoea, repeated pauses in breathing during the night, affects a large proportion of people with severe obesity, often without their knowing. It causes snoring, frequent waking, fatigue, sleepiness at the wheel, morning headaches and concentration problems, and increases cardiovascular risk. Diagnosis relies on a sleep recording. Treatment with a night-time ventilation device clearly improves quality of life, and weight loss often reduces its severity.

Excess fat in the liver, unrelated to alcohol, is very common in people who are overweight or obese. It is often discovered by chance, during a blood test or ultrasound. In most cases, it remains stable, but in some people it progresses to liver inflammation, then fibrosis, or even cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are no symptoms at first, hence the importance of screening.

Weight loss is the main treatment: a loss of five per cent reduces liver fat, and a loss of ten per cent can reverse inflammation and sometimes fibrosis. Physical activity and reducing fast-acting sugars, sugary drinks and alcohol contribute. Certain medicines are being studied or used for this indication.

Every extra kilo increases stress on the knees, hips and back. Obesity encourages osteoarthritis, lower back pain and difficulty walking, which reduces physical activity and creates a vicious circle. Weight loss, even modest, often relieves pain. Weight-supported activities such as swimming or cycling, and suitable strength training guided by a physiotherapist, allow you to move without worsening the joints.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several cancers: uterus, breast after menopause, colon and rectum, kidney, liver, pancreas, oesophagus and a few others. The mechanisms involve inflammation, insulin and hormones produced by fat tissue. A balanced diet, physical activity and maintaining a healthier weight reduce this risk. Age-appropriate screening remains essential and may be more difficult to carry out in severe obesity; talk to your doctor.

Obesity, particularly severe obesity, is associated with an increased risk of severe forms of certain respiratory infections, such as flu or severe viral infections, and with more frequent complications after surgery. Recommended vaccinations are therefore particularly important for those affected. Talk to your doctor, who will tell you which vaccines suit your situation.

Obesity can be accompanied by skin problems: irritation and infections in skin folds, stretch marks, thickened and darkened skin on the neck or armpits, often a sign of insulin resistance, and slower healing. Good hygiene in skin folds, suitable clothing and treating infections bring relief. These signs often improve with weight loss. Report them to your doctor, notably darkening of the skin, which may reveal a disorder of sugar metabolism.

Excess weight compresses the chest and abdomen, reduces lung volumes and increases the effort needed to breathe, causing breathlessness on exertion. In severe forms, it can lead to hypoventilation, with a lack of oxygen, especially at night. Significant breathlessness, headaches on waking or sleepiness should prompt a consultation. Gradual physical activity and weight loss improve breathing.

When a person has been obese for a long time, their body seems to defend a higher weight, like a new set point. After weight loss, the body responds: hunger increases, fullness decreases and resting energy expenditure falls more than the weight loss would explain. These adaptations can persist for years. They explain why most people regain some of the weight lost after a diet, and why treatments that act on these biological mechanisms, such as certain medicines or surgery, are often more effective in the long term.

Our environment has become particularly conducive to weight gain: high-calorie, processed foods available everywhere at all hours, ever-larger portions, sugary drinks, advertising, sedentary work, motorised transport, screens, lack of sleep and chronic stress. People who are genetically prone to weight gain react to it more strongly. Understanding this context helps move beyond guilt and act on what can be changed: organising meals, the home environment and activity built into the day.

Family and twin studies show that genetics explains a significant share of differences in weight between individuals. Hundreds of genetic variations, each with a modest effect, influence appetite, fullness, preference for certain foods and fat distribution. More rarely, an anomaly in a single gene causes severe obesity from early childhood, with intense hunger; these rare forms are managed in specialised centres with specific treatments. In the vast majority of cases, genetics creates a predisposition on which environment and lifestyle act.

Never change a treatment yourself. Talk to your doctor, who will weigh the benefits and risks and can sometimes offer an alternative.

Some hormonal disorders can encourage weight gain: an underactive thyroid, excess cortisol (rare), polycystic ovary syndrome in women, testosterone deficiency in men, or pituitary disorders. They are looked for during the assessment when signs suggest them. Treating them can make weight loss easier, but they rarely explain significant obesity on their own. Conversely, obesity itself disrupts certain hormones, such as testosterone in men or ovulation in women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, common in women of childbearing age, often combines irregular cycles, signs of excess male hormones such as hair growth or acne, and insulin resistance that encourages weight gain, notably around the abdomen. Weight gain in turn worsens the symptoms. Weight loss, even of five per cent, often improves cycle regularity, fertility and hormonal signs. Care combines diet, physical activity and, depending on the situation, medicines, with gynaecological and endocrinological follow-up.

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and moderate weight gain, often partly due to fluid retention. It is detected by a simple blood test and treated with thyroid hormone replacement. Once the thyroid is balanced, weight linked to this cause decreases, but hypothyroidism rarely explains significant obesity on its own. Other causes must then be looked for.

Rarely, rapid weight gain, especially in the face, neck and abdomen, combined with fragile skin, wide purple stretch marks, muscle weakness and high blood pressure, may reveal excess cortisol, known as Cushing's syndrome. It may be linked to corticosteroid treatment or, more rarely, a tumour. A specialist assessment is then needed. This cause is rare, but it should be considered when these signs are present.

Lack of sleep, irregular hours and night work disrupt appetite hormones: hunger increases, fullness decreases, and cravings for sugary and fatty foods grow stronger. Fatigue also reduces the desire to move. Conversely, obesity encourages sleep apnoea, which fragments nights and worsens fatigue. Improving your sleep — aiming for seven to nine hours a night, regular hours and a calm environment — and treating any apnoea are part of obesity care.

• Go to bed and get up at regular times, even at weekends.
• Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
• Avoid screens for an hour before bed.
• Limit caffeine after midday and alcohol in the evening.
• Keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
• Avoid large meals just before sleeping.
• Consult if you snore heavily or feel sleepy during the day.

Better sleep reduces hunger, sugar cravings and fatigue, and makes physical activity easier.

Many people eat more when they are stressed, sad, tired or bored. Food temporarily soothes emotions by stimulating the pleasure circuits. Chronic stress also raises cortisol, which encourages fat storage around the abdomen. Identifying these situations, developing other ways of responding, such as walking, breathing, a creative activity or talking to someone close, and getting support if needed help break this cycle.

• Identify sources of stress and what can be changed.
• Take regular physical activity, which is effective against stress.
• Try slow breathing, relaxation or meditation.
• Set aside time for relaxation and leisure.
• Talk about your difficulties with those close to you or a professional.
• Avoid responding to stress with food by preparing other responses.

Night work and shift work disrupt biological rhythms, sleep and meal organisation, and encourage weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A few strategies help: planning a main meal before the shift, light protein-rich snacks during the night, avoiding sweet vending machines, drinking water, protecting daytime sleep in darkness and quiet, and keeping up physical activity. A dietitian can help build an organisation suited to your hours.

The assessment begins with an in-depth discussion: weight history since childhood, events that coincided with weight gain, diets tried, eating habits, snacking and any binges, physical activity, sleep, work, stress, medicines, alcohol and tobacco use, family history, psychological experience and expectations. The clinical examination measures weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure, and looks for signs of associated conditions or particular causes.

Blood tests assess blood sugar, glycated haemoglobin, lipids, liver and kidney function, the thyroid and other parameters depending on the situation. Depending on symptoms, screening for sleep apnoea, a cardiac assessment or a liver ultrasound may complete the assessment.

The GP is at the heart of obesity care. They know your history, your illnesses and your life context. They can raise the subject of weight kindly, carry out the assessment, treat associated conditions, adjust medicines that cause weight gain, prescribe dietetic consultations, physiotherapy or psychological support and, depending on the conditions, an anti-obesity medicine. They refer you to a specialist or programme when necessary, and provide long-term follow-up.

Depending on your insurance model, their referral is also necessary to access certain reimbursed specialists and services. Do not hesitate to take the initiative and raise your weight with them.

• Severe obesity, from a BMI of 35, or significant complications.
• Failure of well-conducted first-line treatments.
• Suspected hormonal or genetic cause.
• Diabetes that is difficult to control.
• Discussion of complex medication or surgery.
• Progressing obesity in a child or adolescent.

The specialist may be an endocrinologist, a doctor specialising in obesity or a multidisciplinary centre.

The effectiveness of care often relies on coordination between these professionals. The GP generally plays the role of conductor, in liaison with the dietitian, psychologist, physiotherapist and specialists. In multidisciplinary programmes, this coordination is organised by the team. Do not hesitate to ask that the different professionals communicate with each other, and keep a record of your consultations and results.

The pharmacist can advise you on medicines that may encourage weight gain, the use of injection pens, storing medicines and managing side effects. They can also warn you against slimming products that are ineffective or dangerous, and refer you to your doctor if needed. Do not hesitate to ask them your questions.

Many people hesitate to talk about their weight with their doctor, for fear of being judged or because bad experiences have discouraged them. Yet obesity is a disease that warrants care, and professionals are increasingly trained to address it without judgement. Prepare your consultation: your weight history, what you have tried, what bothers you most and your expectations. If you do not feel listened to, you have the right to ask for another opinion.

Body mass index does not tell the whole story of how severe obesity is. Two people with the same index can be in very different situations: one without complications, the other with diabetes, apnoea and disabling pain. That is why specialists also assess the medical, functional and psychological impact of obesity, to adapt the intensity of treatment. Obesity with significant complications justifies more intensive care, even if the body mass index is not very high.

Treatment goals are set with the doctor, according to the situation. They concern health, such as improving blood sugar, blood pressure or sleep, quality of life and mobility, and weight, often with an initial goal of five to ten per cent loss. Realistic, gradual goals focused on habit changes that can be maintained are more effective than pursuing an ideal weight that is hard to reach and keep.

These benefits show that it is not necessary to reach an ideal weight to improve your health considerably.

Weight is only one indicator among others. To measure your progress, it is useful to also track waist circumference, blood pressure, blood tests, fitness — such as the distance you can walk without getting out of breath — sleep quality, energy, mood and ease of carrying out everyday tasks. These improvements are often visible before significant weight loss and are a valuable source of motivation.

Changing habits ingrained over years is difficult. Lapses, plateaus and periods of discouragement are part of the journey. Treating yourself kindly, as you would a friend, rather than harshly, helps you persevere. Studies show that guilt and shame encourage emotional eating, whereas encouragement supports lasting change. Every small step counts.

Motivations for losing weight are many: health, mobility, energy, plans for pregnancy, wanting to play with your children or grandchildren, self-confidence. Identifying what really matters to you, and keeping it in mind during difficult times, helps you persevere. Motivations linked to health and well-being are often more lasting than those linked only to appearance or outside pressure. The psychologist or doctor can help you clarify these motivations.

• A week without sugary drinks.
• A daily walk kept up for a month.
• A restaurant meal well managed.
• A flight of stairs climbed without stopping.
• An item of clothing that fits better.
• Improved blood sugar or blood pressure.
• A night of better sleep.

These victories, often invisible on the scales, build better health day by day. Noting and sharing them strengthens motivation.

You may go through a period when good habits crumble: stress, illness, bereavement or a change of job. Weight may then go up. Rather than giving up altogether, it is useful to get back in touch with your doctor or dietitian, return to a few basic habits such as regular meals, water and walking, and be forgiving with yourself. Every return to good habits counts.

After years of diets, regain and sometimes judgement, many people have lost confidence in their ability to change. Regaining this confidence comes through accumulated small successes, kind support and a better understanding of the disease. Knowing that obesity is not a question of willpower, but a disease with powerful biological mechanisms, often lifts a weight of guilt. With the right tools and the right support, everyone can improve their health and quality of life, whatever their starting point. It is never too late to start, and every step counts, even the smallest. Health professionals, those close to you and other people living with obesity can accompany you on this path, patiently and without judgement, to help you move forward at your own pace towards better health and a calmer life.

A diet suited to treating obesity is not based on prohibitions, but on a few lasting principles: regular, structured meals, suitable portions, plenty of vegetables, protein at every meal, moderate amounts of starchy foods, preferably wholegrain, fruit, good-quality fats, and fewer ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, sweets and alcohol. Eating slowly, without screens, listening to your feelings of hunger and fullness, helps regulate quantities.

These principles adapt to each person's tastes, culture, budget and life. The dietitian helps translate them into concrete meals and move forward in small steps.

This simple model helps put together filling, balanced meals without counting calories.

These examples can be adapted to your tastes, culture and budget. The dietitian can help you build personalised menus.

A snack can be useful to avoid excessive hunger between two widely spaced meals, provided it is chosen rather than impulsive. The best snacks combine fibre and protein: a piece of fruit with a few nuts, a plain yoghurt, raw vegetables with a little cream cheese, a slice of wholemeal bread. It is preferable to avoid biscuits, sweet bars and pastries, which are not very filling and provide many calories.

Fast-acting sugars, found in sugary drinks, sweets, pastries, biscuits and many industrial products, provide many calories, are not very filling and cause blood-sugar swings that encourage hunger. Reducing them gradually, replacing them with fruit, reading labels and limiting processed products, helps with weight loss and improves blood sugar. Taste gradually gets used to less sugar.

Ultra-processed foods, such as industrial ready meals, biscuits, salty snacks, sugary drinks and some breakfast cereals or cured meats, are often high in calories, sugars, fats and salt, and low in fibre. They are designed to be very pleasant to eat, which encourages overconsumption. Studies link high consumption to weight gain. Gradually replacing them with simple foods cooked at home is one of the most effective measures.

Fibre, found in vegetables, fruit, pulses and wholegrains, and protein, found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and pulses, are more filling than fast-acting sugars and fats. Including them at every meal helps control hunger between meals and limit snacking. Protein also helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss.

Thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. Drinking water regularly throughout the day, about one and a half to two litres depending on the heat and activity, helps distinguish the two sensations and limit snacking. A glass of water before a meal can also contribute to feeling full. Always having a bottle within reach makes this habit easier.

Lentils, chickpeas, dried beans and split peas are rich in plant protein and fibre, filling, inexpensive and easy to store. They can replace some of the meat in meals, enrich soups and salads, or be made into purées and patties. Regular consumption is associated with better regulation of weight and blood sugar. If they cause bloating, introducing them gradually and cooking them well helps.

Vegetables provide few calories and plenty of fibre, vitamins and minerals, and increase the volume of meals, which promotes fullness. Aiming for half the plate to be vegetables, raw or cooked, at lunch and dinner is a simple and effective goal. Plain frozen vegetables are practical and as nutritious as fresh ones. Vegetable soups as a starter help begin the meal with a filling food.

Treating obesity is not just about a number on the scales: it is about looking after your overall health. Good-quality food, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, good stress management, supportive social relationships and regular medical follow-up improve health, even when weight loss is modest. This overall approach also helps you make peace with your body and move away from the logic of diets, to build a lasting, enjoyable lifestyle. Health professionals are there to support you in this approach, at every stage and at your own pace.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables, often grown locally in Switzerland, are tastier, more nutritious and generally less expensive. Apples, pears, carrots, cabbage, squash and potatoes in autumn and winter; asparagus, salad leaves, strawberries and peas in spring; tomatoes, courgettes, berries and apricots in summer. Varying produce with the seasons makes eating more enjoyable and helps maintain good habits over time. Local markets are also an opportunity to walk and discover new foods, while supporting producers in your region and rediscovering the pleasure of cooking simple, tasty produce.

The best diet is the one you can follow durably, without excessive deprivation. A dietitian helps you build it.

The earlier obesity is treated, the easier it is to avoid complications and stabilise weight. In children, the paediatrician's monitoring of the growth chart allows an unfavourable trend to be spotted from the first few years. In adults, gradual weight gain, an increasing waist circumference or the appearance of prediabetes or high blood pressure are signals to take seriously. A regular check-up with the GP allows action before the disease becomes firmly established.

Very restrictive diets or extreme methods without medical supervision can lead to rapid but dangerous weight loss: muscle wasting, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, fatigue, hair loss, gallstones, heart rhythm disorders in extreme cases, and often significant regain afterwards. Gradual weight loss, of around half a kilo to a kilo a week at first, is generally safer and more lasting. Very low-calorie diets are only used for specific indications, under medical supervision.

Alternating weight loss and regain, called the yo-yo effect, is common in people who have followed diet after diet. Each regain is often accompanied by a few extra kilos, loss of muscle mass and growing discouragement. Breaking this cycle means giving up restrictive diets in favour of lasting, gradual changes supported by professionals and, if needed, treatments that act on the biological mechanisms of hunger.

A registered dietitian is a health professional trained in clinical nutrition. They analyse your habits, constraints and preferences, then help you gradually build a suitable, lasting diet, without a standardised regime. They offer practical tools: meal planning, shopping lists, recipe ideas, managing meals out and strategies against snacking. On medical prescription, their consultations can be covered by basic insurance within the limits set by regulation.

• Plan the week's meals and make a shopping list.
• Do not go shopping when you are hungry.
• Favour fresh, simple, seasonal produce.
• Read labels, particularly sugar content.
• Cook larger quantities and freeze portions.
• Keep healthy snacks at home: fruit, yoghurts, raw vegetables.
• Avoid stocking foods that trigger snacking.

Meals at restaurants, canteens, friends' homes or on the go are part of life. A few strategies help fit them in without abandoning your goals: look at the menu in advance, choose simple dishes with vegetables and a protein source, ask for the sauce on the side, share a starter or dessert, avoid the bread basket before the meal, limit alcohol, eat slowly and stop when full. A larger meal from time to time does not compromise progress if overall habits are good.

End-of-year festivities, birthdays and holidays are times of pleasure and sharing, often associated with large meals. Rather than trying to control everything, it is useful to enjoy these moments mindfully, savouring the dishes you choose, staying active, for example with a walk after the meal, and returning to your habits the next day. Slight weight gain during these periods is common and easily corrected if you do not become discouraged.

Travel disrupts habits: restaurant meals, changed schedules, less activity or, conversely, a lot of walking. To stay on track without deprivation: enjoy culinary discoveries in reasonable portions, favour walking and sightseeing on foot, take healthy snacks for journeys, drink water regularly and return to your habits when you get home. If you are on an injectable treatment, find out about storing and transporting it, and take a prescription with you.

A balanced diet is not necessarily more expensive. A few ideas: favour seasonal vegetables and fruit, pulses, eggs, plain dairy products and loose wholegrains; cook yourself and in large quantities; freeze leftovers; and limit ready meals, sugary drinks and snacks, which are often costly. Dietitians can suggest menus suited to a limited budget.

Cooking yourself lets you control ingredients, the amounts of fat, sugar and salt, and portion sizes. There is no need to be an accomplished cook: simple recipes such as roast vegetables, soups, stir-fries, hearty salads or stews are enough. Preparing meals in advance at the weekend makes busy weeks easier. Cooking workshops are sometimes offered as part of care programmes.

Skipping meals often leads to intense hunger later in the day, encouraging snacking and overeating. Regular meals at roughly fixed times, filling and balanced, help stabilise appetite. Everyone can find their own rhythm, with three meals and possibly a snack, the essential being regularity and quality.

Sugary drinks, such as sodas, fruit juices, iced teas, energy drinks and some flavoured coffees, provide many calories without filling you up. Replacing them with still or sparkling water, herbal teas or unsweetened coffee and tea is one of the simplest and most effective measures to reduce intake. Alcohol, which is very calorific, also stimulates appetite and reduces vigilance about food choices; limiting it helps with weight loss. Sweetened drinks with sweeteners can help some people in transition, but water remains the best option.

Alcohol is very calorific: a glass of wine or a beer provides the equivalent of a small snack without filling you up. It also stimulates appetite, reduces vigilance about food choices and disturbs sleep. It encourages abdominal fat and liver disease. Reducing consumption, by limiting the number of drinking days and the amounts, helps with weight loss and improves health. If reducing is difficult, specialist support can be offered.

Stopping smoking is often accompanied by a gain of a few kilos, linked to increased appetite and lower energy expenditure. This fear should not prevent you from stopping, as the health benefits are far greater. To limit weight gain: anticipate snacking urges with healthy snacks, increase physical activity, drink water and get support, for example with nicotine replacement or specialist help. Your doctor can help you combine stopping smoking with weight management.

Portions served in restaurants, in industrial products and sometimes at home have increased considerably over the decades. Reducing portion size, without necessarily changing the foods, is an effective strategy. A few tips: use smaller plates, serve yourself once in the kitchen rather than leaving the dish on the table, start with the vegetables, eat slowly and wait a few minutes before having seconds, and share a dish in restaurants.

Fullness signals take about twenty minutes to reach the brain. Eating quickly therefore often leads to eating more than necessary. Taking time to chew, putting down your cutlery between mouthfuls, avoiding screens during meals and paying attention to taste and sensations help you perceive fullness better. These simple habits, practised regularly, can reduce the amounts eaten without a feeling of deprivation.

Eating in front of a screen — television, computer or phone — distracts attention from feelings of hunger and fullness and often leads to eating more, sometimes without realising. Screen time also reduces physical activity and encourages snacking, particularly in the evening. Eating at the table without screens and limiting leisure screen time are simple changes with real effects, for adults and children alike.

Eating at regular times helps stabilise appetite and blood sugar. Very late meals, notably in the evening in front of the television, encourage weight gain and disturb sleep. It is often useful to have a lighter, earlier dinner and spread intake over the day. Everyone can find the rhythm that suits them, taking into account their working hours and family habits.

Sharing family meals at the table, without screens, encourages a more balanced diet for everyone, particularly children. It is also a time for conversation that gives food a positive place, far from guilt or restriction. Involving children in preparing meals and shopping helps them discover new foods and develop good lasting habits.

Snacking between meals is common and often linked to hunger not satisfied by overly light meals, boredom, stress, fatigue or the availability of food. To reduce it: eat regular, filling meals, identify the times and emotions that trigger it, avoid keeping tempting foods within reach, plan healthy snacks if real hunger appears, and find other activities at high-risk times.

Physical activity brings major health benefits, even when not accompanied by significant weight loss: improved blood sugar and blood pressure, reduced abdominal and liver fat, a stronger heart and muscles, better mobility, better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mood. It is also one of the most important factors in maintaining weight after a loss. It is never too late to start, whatever your starting weight.

Adapt the progression to your fitness and any pain. A physiotherapist or supervised programme can support you.

• Take the stairs rather than the lift.
• Get off one stop early and walk.
• Take active breaks at work every hour.
• Walk during phone calls.
• Garden, do DIY, do housework actively.
• Favour walking or cycling for short trips.
• Limit time spent sitting in front of screens in the evening.

Beyond physical activity, time spent sitting is a risk factor in itself. Sitting for long hours at the office, in the car or in front of screens is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and weight gain, even in people who do sport. Regularly breaking up sitting periods, by getting up every thirty to sixty minutes, walking for a few minutes or working standing up at times, benefits health and metabolism.

Strength training is often neglected, yet it plays an essential role: it preserves muscle mass during weight loss, improves strength, balance and posture, increases insulin sensitivity and protects the joints. You do not need to go to a gym: simple exercises using body weight, resistance bands or water bottles, two to three times a week, are enough to start. A physiotherapist can suggest a suitable programme.

• Choose an activity you really enjoy.
• Start small and increase gradually.
• Exercise with someone close to you or in a group.
• Set concrete goals, such as a number of steps or sessions.
• Note your progress: distance, duration, breathlessness.
• Vary activities to avoid boredom.
• Congratulate yourself on each session completed, without aiming for perfection.

Counting your steps with a pedometer, a watch or a phone is a simple way to measure daily activity and set goals. It is not necessarily about reaching ten thousand steps a day: gradually increasing from your starting point, for example by a thousand steps a day each week, is already beneficial. Many people find this tracking a concrete source of motivation.

For people with severe obesity, joint pain or associated conditions, physical activity must be adapted. Weight-supported activities such as swimming, aqua aerobics or cycling spare the joints. Adapted physical activity programmes, supervised by physiotherapists or specialised instructors, exist in several regions and may be partly covered on prescription. They allow you to regain confidence in your body, safely and at your own pace.

For people with obesity, physical activity is often associated with bad memories: school sport, teasing, breathlessness and pain. Rediscovering the pleasure of moving involves choosing enjoyable activities suited to your condition, practised in a supportive setting. Dancing, Nordic walking, aqua aerobics, electric bikes, gardening, gentle hiking: the possibilities are many. The aim is not performance, but well-being and regularity. Many people are surprised to discover that activity becomes something they look forward to.

Aquatic activities, such as swimming, aqua aerobics, aqua cycling or walking in water, are particularly suitable in obesity: water supports the body, reduces stress on the joints and allows movement with less pain. They improve endurance, strength and mobility. For people who fear being looked at in the swimming pool, some centres offer classes in small groups or at quiet times.

Walking is accessible to almost everyone, free and easy to fit into daily life. Starting with short walks, then gradually increasing duration and pace, improves endurance, blood sugar, mood and sleep. Walking in a group, with someone close to you or with a dog, helps you keep it up. Good shoes and a pleasant route make the activity more enjoyable.

The behavioural approach helps change habits durably, starting from each person's real life. It often begins with observation: keeping a diary of meals, emotions and situations that trigger the urge to eat. Then it sets concrete, gradual goals, such as replacing sugary drinks with water, no longer eating in front of the television or walking after dinner. It develops strategies for difficult situations, teaches how to handle lapses without giving up and values every step forward.

This approach, practised by psychologists, dietitians or trained doctors, individually or in groups, is one of the most effective pillars of obesity treatment.

Binge-eating disorder is characterised by regular episodes in which the person eats a large amount of food in a short time, with a feeling of loss of control, without compensatory behaviour such as vomiting, followed by shame or guilt. It is common in people with obesity and often goes unrecognised. It is treatable, notably with specialised psychotherapy and sometimes medicines. Treating it is essential before any weight-loss treatment, as it determines its success.

Learning to recognise emotional hunger allows you to respond differently to the real need: rest, comfort, distraction or conversation.

Psychotherapy can play a central role in treating obesity, particularly in the case of binge eating, emotional eating, depression, anxiety, past trauma or very low self-esteem. Cognitive behavioural therapies are the most studied: they help identify the thoughts and situations that lead to problematic eating behaviours and develop new strategies. Other approaches, focused on emotions, acceptance or the body, can also help.

In Switzerland, psychotherapy provided by recognised psychologist-psychotherapists on medical prescription can be covered by basic insurance under the rules in force. Your doctor can refer you.

Years of remarks, failed diets and stigma can deeply affect self-esteem and body image. Many people with obesity avoid certain situations, such as the beach, sport, photos or relationships, out of shame about their body. Working on self-esteem, independently of weight, is important: it encourages behaviour change, reduces emotional eating and improves quality of life, whatever the result on the scales.

Noting for a few days or weeks what you eat, when, where, with whom and in what emotional state is a simple and effective tool. It raises awareness of your habits and helps spot snacking, sugary drinks, skipped meals and high-risk situations. This diary serves as a basis for discussion with the dietitian or psychologist. It is not about judging yourself, but understanding yourself better in order to change what can be changed.

Taking part in a patient group, as part of a programme or an association, provides valuable support: feeling understood by people going through the same thing, sharing concrete tips, encouraging each other and reducing isolation. Studies show that group approaches are as effective as individual approaches for many people, and sometimes more motivating. Some groups meet in person, others online.

Coaching services, in person or via apps, offer support for diet, physical activity and habits. Some are reputable and based on validated approaches; others promise unrealistic results. They can complement medical care but do not replace it, especially in severe obesity or with associated conditions. Check the qualifications of those involved and the scientific basis of the methods offered. They are rarely covered by basic insurance.

Support from those close to you makes changing habits much easier: shared balanced meals, joint physical activities, encouragement and no hurtful remarks. Involving your partner, family or friends in your efforts, for example by telling them your goals or inviting them to a session with the dietitian, can make a real difference. Conversely, those around you sabotaging your efforts, even unintentionally, makes them harder; it is useful to talk about it openly.

• "Have you tried dieting?" Yes, often; obesity requires more comprehensive care.
• "What's that medicine?" Treatment for a chronic disease, prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
• "Why don't you do more sport?" Physical activity is part of the treatment, at my own pace.
• "Should you be eating that?" My food choices are supported by professionals.
• "How can I help you?" Share balanced meals and activities, without comments about weight.

Nobody follows their goals perfectly every day. A large meal, a stressful period or holidays can lead to lapses. The risk is thinking all is lost and giving up. The most effective approach is to accept the lapse, without excessive guilt, and return to good habits at the next meal. Consistency over time counts far more than daily perfection.

Some complementary approaches, such as hypnosis, sophrology, meditation or acupuncture, can help manage stress or food cravings or support motivation, alongside medical care. Their effect on weight alone is limited, and they do not replace treatments of proven effectiveness. Be wary of practitioners who promise significant, rapid weight loss or who suggest stopping medical treatment.

Losing weight is one stage; maintaining it is another, often more difficult. People who succeed generally share a few habits: regular, often daily physical activity; structured meals without snacking; regular weighing that allows a quick response in the event of regain; maintained medical or dietary follow-up; and attention to their psychological well-being. For some people, long-term medication helps maintain the loss.

Regaining a few kilos is not a failure: it is a signal to readjust, with the care team's help, before the regain increases.

After a few weeks or months, weight loss often slows or even stops, despite continued efforts. This plateau is normal: the body adapts by reducing its energy expenditure, and the lower weight requires fewer calories. Do not become discouraged. Reassessing intake, increasing activity slightly, varying exercise, improving sleep or discussing treatment with the doctor often helps overcome it. Sometimes it is also useful to regard maintaining the weight reached as a success.

Like high blood pressure or diabetes, obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term follow-up. Treatments do not cure it definitively: they control it as long as they are continued. Accepting this chronic dimension helps move away from the logic of successive diets towards continuous care, with adjustments over time, easier periods and harder ones, and lasting support from professionals.

For many people, obesity accompanies much of their life, with periods of loss, stabilisation and sometimes regain. Living with this chronic disease means learning to understand it, recognising high-risk situations, relying on professionals and those close to you, and not reducing your worth to a number on the scales. It also means benefiting from medical progress, which today offers more numerous and more effective options than in the past.

For a long time, anti-obesity medicines were not very effective or poorly tolerated. In recent years, a new generation of treatments given by weekly injection has profoundly changed care. These medicines mimic or enhance the action of intestinal hormones that increase fullness, reduce hunger, slow stomach emptying and improve sugar regulation. In many patients they allow significant weight loss, sometimes close to that achieved with certain surgeries, as long as treatment is continued.

These medicines do not replace changes in habits, but they make those changes easier by reducing hunger and cravings. They are part of comprehensive care, prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

Availability, indications and coverage conditions are changing. Your doctor will inform you of the options currently available in Switzerland.

Besides the new injectable medicines, other treatments have a more limited role. A medicine that reduces absorption of dietary fat allows modest weight loss, with troublesome digestive effects if the diet remains fatty. Certain combinations of molecules acting on appetite exist depending on authorisations. In addition, in people with diabetes, certain diabetes treatments encourage weight loss, which guides the doctor's choice. Old appetite suppressants, withdrawn because of serious side effects, should no longer be used.

Several new anti-obesity medicines are in development or awaiting authorisation: molecules acting on three hormones at once, oral forms of current treatments, and treatments targeting other mechanisms of appetite or energy expenditure. Early results are promising, with weight loss sometimes close to that of surgery. Their role, long-term tolerance, cost and coverage remain to be established.

The most common side effects of the new medicines are digestive: nausea, a feeling of fullness, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, sometimes vomiting. They appear mainly at the start and when doses are increased, then often ease. Increasing the dose gradually, eating slowly and in small amounts, and avoiding fatty meals help limit them. Rarer effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder problems, are monitored. These medicines must not be used during pregnancy and have contraindications that the doctor checks.

Injectable anti-obesity medicines come as pre-filled pens that are easy to use, with a very fine needle. The injection is given under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or arm, generally once a week on the same day. The dose is increased gradually over several weeks to limit digestive effects. The doctor or pharmacist shows the technique at the first prescription. The pens are stored in the refrigerator before use, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

During treatment, it is advisable to eat slowly, in small portions, stop as soon as you feel full, avoid very fatty meals and drink enough. Sufficient protein intake and physical activity, notably strength training, help preserve muscle mass.

During anti-obesity medication, regular follow-up is necessary: assessment of weight loss and tolerance, dose adjustment, monitoring of certain blood parameters depending on the situation, and adjustment of other treatments, notably for diabetes or blood pressure, which may need to be reduced with weight loss. For insurance coverage, check-ups at defined times are often required to verify the effectiveness of treatment.

When an anti-obesity medicine is stopped, hunger gradually returns, and regaining a significant part of the weight lost is common in the following months. The eating and physical activity habits put in place during treatment help limit this regain. Stopping should be discussed with the doctor, who can propose a transition strategy, reinforced follow-up, another treatment option or, in some situations, surgery.

As with high blood pressure or diabetes, obesity is a chronic disease, and stopping medicines is often followed by weight regain, sometimes significant. Treatment is therefore generally considered long term, with regular reassessment of its effectiveness, tolerance and value. Insurance coverage conditions may, however, limit the reimbursed duration; the doctor will inform you of the rules in force and discuss the long-term strategy with you.

In Switzerland, some anti-obesity medicines can be covered by basic insurance under strict conditions set by the authorities. These conditions generally concern body mass index, the presence of associated conditions, combination with diet and physical activity measures, a minimum weight loss after a defined period for reimbursement to continue, and a maximum duration of coverage. They may also specify which doctors can prescribe.

These rules change regularly. When the conditions are not met, treatment remains possible, but at the patient's expense, with a significant monthly cost. Discuss with your doctor the value of treatment in your situation and the reimbursement conditions in force.

With the arrival of the new medicines, the question of choosing between medication and surgery often arises. Surgery remains the treatment that offers the greatest and most lasting weight loss in severe obesity, without daily or weekly treatment, but it is irreversible and requires lifelong follow-up. Medicines are less invasive, but their effect depends on continuing treatment, with a cost and reimbursement conditions to consider. The two approaches can also be combined. The decision is made case by case, with a specialist.

When obesity is severe, from a body mass index of 35, and well-conducted non-surgical treatments, possibly including a medicine, have not brought sufficient lasting improvement, surgery can be considered. This is not a failure of previous treatments, but an additional step for a severe disease. The steps taken, documented by your doctor, count in the assessment. See our guide to obesity surgery.

• Buying medicines online or without a prescription: risk of counterfeit products.
• Increasing doses too quickly to lose weight faster.
• Neglecting diet and physical activity and relying on the medicine alone.
• Neglecting protein, at the risk of losing muscle.
• Stopping abruptly without talking to the doctor.
• Using the treatment during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy without medical advice.

Several hospitals and centres in Switzerland offer structured obesity care programmes bringing together doctors, dietitians, psychologists and physical activity professionals. They generally take place over several months, individually and in groups, with sessions on diet, behaviour, physical activity, sleep and stress management, followed by a maintenance phase. Some programmes are covered by basic insurance under defined conditions.

These programmes address obesity in all its dimensions, offer the support of a group and help build lasting habits. They are also a documented stage of non-surgical treatment, useful if surgery is considered later.

Obesity also affects children and adolescents in Switzerland. It can lead to difficulties at school and socially, teasing, low self-esteem, and medical complications such as high blood pressure, excess fat in the liver or prediabetes. In children, the aim is generally not a diet, but stabilising weight during growth through changes in habits involving the whole family: meals, activity, sleep and screens.

Specialised multidisciplinary programmes for children and adolescents exist in several regions and may be covered by basic insurance under certain conditions. The paediatrician is the first point of contact. The new medicines may be discussed for some adolescents, depending on current authorisations; surgery remains exceptional at this age.

Adolescence is a delicate time to address weight: bodily changes, identity formation, the importance of how others see you and social media. Obesity at this age can lead to teasing, isolation, dropping out of school and mood disorders. It also tends to persist into adulthood. Care must be kind, involve the adolescent in decisions, involve the family without making them feel guilty, and prevent eating disorders from developing. Specialised programmes for adolescents offer adapted approaches, in groups and individually.

The school and out-of-school environment influences children's weight: canteen meals, snacks, physical activity at school, walking or cycling to school, and the range of sports activities. Cantonal health promotion programmes encourage balanced eating and movement in schools. Parents can encourage active journeys, sign the child up for an activity they enjoy, limit screens and look after sleep. It is important to combat weight-related bullying, which is common and very painful.

The paediatrician monitors the child's growth chart from the first few years, allowing a trend towards obesity to be spotted early. They can advise the family, look for particular causes, screen for complications and refer to a specialised programme. Early intervention, before adolescence, is often more effective and prevents obesity from becoming firmly established.

Family habits strongly influence the weight of children and adults. Changing together, rather than imposing rules on one person, is more effective and avoids stigmatisation: shared meals, healthy foods available at home, family physical activities, limited screens for everyone and regular sleep times. Parents act as role models. It is important to avoid remarks about weight and to value effort and health rather than appearance.

Children learn a great deal by watching their parents: what they eat, how they move and how they relate to their bodies. Parents who look after their diet, move regularly and talk about the body kindly pass on protective habits. Conversely, parents' repeated diets or remarks about weight can encourage a complicated relationship with food in the child. Looking after your own health is therefore also a gift to the whole family.

Raising weight with a child requires tact. It is better to talk about health, energy, the pleasure of moving and eating well, rather than weight or appearance, and never to make hurtful remarks or comparisons. Changes should involve the whole family, so that the child does not feel singled out. The paediatrician or a psychologist can advise parents on how to talk about it.

Children and adolescents who are overweight or obese are frequently teased and bullied, at school or on social media. This bullying can have serious consequences for mood, schooling and the relationship with food. It is important to listen to the child, support them, alert the school and, if necessary, consult a professional. Nobody deserves to be bullied because of their weight.

In women, certain periods of life are particularly conducive to weight gain: puberty, pregnancies, the period after childbirth, hormonal contraception in some, and menopause. Polycystic ovary syndrome, which is common, is often associated with weight gain and insulin resistance. Obesity can also disrupt cycles and fertility. Care takes these stages into account, with support adapted to each moment, notably during and after pregnancy.

Around menopause, many women notice weight gain and above all a redistribution of fat towards the abdomen, linked to falling oestrogen, reduced muscle mass with age and sometimes reduced activity. This abdominal fat increases cardiovascular and diabetes risk. A suitable diet rich in protein and fibre, physical activity including strength training, good sleep and, depending on the situation, medical treatment help limit these changes.

In men, obesity often shows as abdominal fat, associated with a high risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea. It can also lower testosterone, with fatigue, reduced libido and fertility, which can in turn encourage weight gain. Men often consult later than women about their weight. Talking to your doctor about your weight, even without symptoms, allows early care.

In older people, obesity raises particular questions: age-related loss of muscle mass may be masked by fat, and poorly conducted weight loss can worsen frailty. The aim is often less weight loss than preserving strength, independence and mobility, and controlling associated conditions. Sufficient protein intake, suitable physical activity including strength training and medical follow-up are essential.

Retirement changes the rhythm of life: less travel, more flexible meals, sometimes less physical activity and weight gain. It is also an opportunity to take time for yourself: cooking, walking, joining a sports or hiking club, gardening. Preserving muscle mass becomes a priority with age, through sufficient protein intake and suitable strength exercises. A check-up with the doctor at retirement is a good time to take stock.

People with physical or intellectual disabilities are more exposed to obesity because of difficulties with physical activity, certain medicines, eating disorders or life constraints. Care must be adapted to their abilities and environment, involving those close to them and the professionals who support them. Adapted physical activity and personalised dietary follow-up can bring significant benefits.

People living with a psychiatric illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression, have an increased risk of obesity, linked to the illness itself, lifestyle and certain treatments. Monitoring weight and metabolic parameters is recommended from the start of high-risk treatments. Suitable strategies — diet, activity, sometimes a change of treatment or an anti-obesity medicine — are discussed with the psychiatrist and GP.

Obesity before pregnancy increases certain risks: gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, complications during delivery and certain risks for the baby. Weight loss before conception, even modest, improves fertility and reduces these risks. During pregnancy, restrictive diets and anti-obesity medicines are not advised; the aim is reasonable weight gain suited to the starting weight, with a balanced diet and suitable physical activity. Nutritional follow-up during and after pregnancy helps prevent the kilos gained from becoming permanent.

The period after childbirth is often a difficult time to look after yourself: fatigue, lack of sleep, new priorities. Yet it is important for avoiding lasting weight gain. Breastfeeding can help some women; a gradual return to physical activity, adapted to pelvic floor recovery, and regular meals are recommended. It is useful to talk to the midwife or doctor, who can offer support.

People with obesity are often the target of prejudice: laziness, lack of willpower, letting themselves go. These false ideas are found in society, at work, in the media and sometimes even among healthcare professionals. They have real consequences: shame, isolation, avoidance of care, discrimination in hiring and, paradoxically, further weight gain, as the stress of stigma encourages emotional eating. Recognising obesity as a disease and being cared for by kind professionals are essential for effective care.

The words used to talk about obesity matter. Professionals are increasingly careful to speak of a "person living with obesity" rather than defining the person by their weight, and to avoid stigmatising terms. This change in language reflects the recognition of obesity as a disease and contributes to more respectful care. You have the right to ask to be treated without judgement.

Obesity can affect working life: fatigue, pain, physical limitations, absences linked to associated conditions, but also discrimination in hiring or career progression. Some working conditions, such as shift work, stress, sitting for long periods or meals eaten on the go, encourage weight gain. Adapting your working day — preparing meals, moving during breaks and managing stress — helps. In the event of discrimination, legal or trade union advice can be useful.

Obesity can affect relationships: fear of being looked at, avoiding certain activities, difficulties in love or intimate life, a sense of isolation. Support from kind people close to you is invaluable during care. It is useful to explain to them what helps you, such as sharing physical activity or balanced meals, and what hurts you, such as remarks about weight or insistence on having a second helping. Patient groups also offer a space for discussion without judgement.

Obesity and mental health influence each other: depression, anxiety, trauma and certain psychiatric medicines can encourage weight gain, while obesity, stigma and physical limitations can undermine mood and self-esteem. Taking both dimensions into account improves results. Do not hesitate to talk about your mood to your doctor; psychological support is an integral part of care.

Conditions change regularly; check with your doctor and insurer.

Depending on your basic insurance model — family doctor, health network or telemedicine — you may need to go through your primary care doctor first to see a specialist, dietitian, physiotherapist or psychologist and be reimbursed. Services such as dietetics, physiotherapy or psychotherapy also require a medical prescription. Check the conditions of your contract at the start.

Services covered by basic insurance are subject to the annual deductible (franchise) you have chosen, then to a co-payment (quote-part) of ten per cent up to an annual ceiling. Active obesity care, with consultations, tests, dietetics and possibly medicines, can represent regular costs. Your choice of deductible can be considered in light of the care planned for the following year.

Some supplementary insurance policies contribute to services not covered by basic insurance: fitness memberships, sports classes, coaching, non-recognised weight-loss programmes, complementary medicine or part of the cost of non-reimbursed medicines. Conditions and ceilings vary greatly. Read your contract and ask for written confirmation before incurring costs.

Even with good insurance coverage, some costs often remain at the patient's expense: deductible and co-payment, gym memberships, equipment, certain supplements, medicines outside reimbursement conditions and non-recognised programmes. It is useful to discuss this with your doctor to favour effective, reimbursed services and avoid unnecessary spending on products or methods with no proof of effectiveness.

These indices are indicative. Details are on our page on obesity care prices.

Obesity care begins with the GP, who is available everywhere. Specialist consultations and multidisciplinary programmes are offered by the university hospitals of Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel and Zurich, by many cantonal hospitals, such as in Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Sion, Aarau, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Chur or in Ticino, and by specialised centres and practices. Registered dietitians and physiotherapists are found in all regions. For children, specific programmes exist in several cantons.

Understanding medical explanations, dietary advice and treatment arrangements is essential for successful care. In French-speaking Switzerland, everything is in French. In the major German-speaking cities, many doctors, dietitians and centres see patients in French or English; in Ticino, in Italian. Do not hesitate to ask for written documents in a language you master.

Basic obesity care is accessible everywhere, through GPs, dietitians and physiotherapists. For specialised programmes and endocrinology consultations, you may need to travel to a larger city. Some consultations, such as dietary or psychological follow-up, can be done by video. Find out what is available in your region.

A second opinion can be useful if you feel you are not being heard, if treatments are not producing results, if you are hesitating between medication and surgery, or if a particular cause is suspected. An obesity specialist or multidisciplinary centre can provide a complementary perspective. Bring your test results and an account of your previous efforts.

• The results of successive blood tests.
• Reports from specialist consultations.
• Certificates of dietary follow-up and programmes.
• The list of treatments tried and their effects.
• The evolution of your weight and waist circumference.
• Insurance decisions.

These documents are useful for follow-up, for a reimbursement request for a medicine, or if surgery is considered later.

In Switzerland, a significant share of the adult population is overweight, and a significant proportion is obese, with differences by age, sex, region and level of education. Among children, excess weight affects a non-negligible share of pupils, with stabilisation observed in some regions thanks to prevention programmes. Obesity and its complications represent a significant cost for the health system.

Federal and cantonal authorities, along with foundations and associations, run programmes promoting balanced eating and physical activity, particularly among children and families. Prevention, early detection and access to suitable care are the pillars of this policy.

Preventing weight gain is easier than treating established obesity. A few habits protect at any age: a diet mostly made up of simple, minimally processed foods, water as the main drink, daily physical activity, sufficient sleep, stress management, and attention to high-risk periods such as pregnancies, stopping smoking, a change of job, menopause or retirement. Weighing yourself from time to time allows an early response to weight gain.

Obesity affects people on lower incomes or with lower levels of education more, because of the cost and accessibility of healthy food, working conditions, stress, available time and living environment. These inequalities are reflected in access to care and to non-reimbursed treatments. Public health programmes and coverage by basic insurance aim to reduce these gaps. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor which services can be reimbursed in your situation.

• Laure, 38, BMI 32, weight gain after two pregnancies: dietary follow-up and daily walking, eight per cent lost in a year.
• Pierre, 52, BMI 34, diabetes: injectable medicine covered under conditions, diabetes considerably improved.
• Sofia, 29, BMI 37, binge eating: specialised psychotherapy first, then a multidisciplinary programme.
• Marc, 45, BMI 31, sleep apnoea: night-time device, physical activity, seven kilos lost.
• Nina, 14, obesity since childhood: family programme for adolescents.
• Jean, 68, BMI 33, osteoarthritis: adapted physical activity in the pool, protein, strength maintained.
• Claire, 41, BMI 42, repeated failures: programme, then obesity surgery.

• "You just need to eat less and move more": obesity is a complex disease, with powerful biological mechanisms.
• "People with obesity lack willpower": genetics, hormones and the environment play a major role.
• "A good diet solves the problem": regain is common without comprehensive care.
• "Medicines are an easy way out": they treat a disease, as for high blood pressure.
• "Losing a little weight is pointless": five to ten per cent already improves health.
• "Obesity is an aesthetic issue": it is first and foremost a health issue.

Information about weight loss abounds on the internet and social media: miracle diets, supplements, spectacular testimonials and medicines bought without a prescription. Much of it is inaccurate or dangerous. Favour information from your doctor, registered dietitians, hospitals and health authorities. Be wary of any promise of rapid, effortless weight loss.

• Consultation with the GP, blood tests: prediabetes.
• Six consultations with a dietitian on prescription.
• Sugary drinks replaced with water, regular meals.
• Thirty minutes of walking every day, then aqua aerobics.
• Six months: six kilos lost, blood sugar normalised.
• One year: nine kilos lost, new habits maintained.

• BMI 36, high blood pressure, several failed diets.
• Assessment, discussion of options with the endocrinologist.
• Weekly injectable medicine, coverage conditions checked.
• Nausea in the first few weeks, then improvement.
• Six months: fourteen per cent of body weight lost, improved blood pressure.
• Regular follow-up, dietary support and physical activity.

• Enrolment in a multidisciplinary programme at the cantonal hospital.
• Weekly sessions: dietetics, psychology, physical activity.
• Meeting other participants, swapping tips.
• Discovering the link between stress and snacking.
• End of programme: ten kilos lost, greater self-confidence.
• Maintenance follow-up every three months.

• At 52, eight kilos gained in three years, mostly around the abdomen.
• Check-up with the gynaecologist and GP: high cholesterol.
• Dietetic consultations: more protein and vegetables, less evening snacking.
• Enrolment in a strength-training class twice a week.
• Better sleep thanks to suitable treatment for hot flushes.
• A year later: six kilos lost, smaller waist, improved cholesterol.

• Léo, 13, weight rising since childhood, teased at school.
• The paediatrician suggests a programme for adolescents and families.
• Group sessions for Léo, workshops for the parents.
• The family replaces fizzy drinks with water and shares more meals.
• Léo discovers basketball and joins a club.
• A year later: weight stabilised, confidence regained, growth continuing.

• My husband often tried diets, regaining the weight every time.
• The doctor explained that obesity was a disease; he felt relieved.
• We changed our shopping and cook together more.
• We walk every evening after dinner.
• He is on medication, with some nausea at first.
• Today, he has more energy, and we enjoy our hikes together.

• Body mass index: weight divided by height squared.
• Waist circumference: a measure of abdominal fat.
• Satiety: the feeling of having eaten enough.
• Leptin: a hormone produced by fat that tells the brain about reserves.
• Binge eating: episodes of loss of control over food.
• Ultra-processed foods: industrial products high in additives, sugars, fats and salt.
• Adapted physical activity: supervised activity that takes health status into account.
• Multidisciplinary programme: care involving several professionals.

• Consultation with the GP, discussion of weight and expectations.
• Assessment: blood tests, blood pressure, waist circumference, screening for complications.
• Treatment plan: diet, physical activity, sleep, support.
• Dietetic consultations on prescription.
• If needed: psychological support, physiotherapy, group programme.
• Reassessment after a few months.
• Depending on results: medication, specialised programme or referral for surgery.
• Regular long-term follow-up.

Each pathway is personalised and evolves over time.

• Is my weight already affecting my health?
• Which tests are needed?
• Could one of my medicines be encouraging weight gain?
• What weight-loss goal is realistic for me?
• Can you prescribe dietetic consultations?
• Would psychological support be useful?
• Is an anti-obesity medicine indicated, and would it be reimbursed?
• Is there a programme near me?

• 1. Talk to your doctor, without waiting for complications.
• 2. Have a full assessment.
• 3. Set realistic, health-focused goals.
• 4. Build a plan with the right professionals.
• 5. Maintain follow-up and adjust treatment over time.

• Following one restrictive diet after another.
• Aiming for weight loss that is too rapid.
• Becoming discouraged after a plateau or lapse.
• Neglecting sleep and stress.
• Buying miracle products or medicines online.
• Stopping a medicine on your own.
• Facing the disease alone.

• Obesity is a chronic disease with multiple causes.
• Modest weight loss already improves health.
• Care combines diet, physical activity, sleep and psychological support.
• The new medicines allow significant weight loss as long as they are continued.
• Multidisciplinary programmes exist for adults and children.
• Surgery is reserved for severe forms that do not respond enough to other treatments.
• Basic insurance covers a significant part of care, under certain conditions.

Studies show that interventions combining diet, physical activity and behavioural support achieve, on average, modest but significant weight loss of around five to ten per cent, with clear health benefits, particularly for diabetes prevention. They also show that regain is common without prolonged follow-up. Major trials of the new medicines have shown much greater weight loss and, for some, a reduction in cardiovascular events in people at risk, with regain when stopped. Surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity.

Obesity research is advancing rapidly: new medicines acting on several hormones at once, oral treatments, better understanding of the brain mechanisms of appetite, the role of the gut microbiota, precision medicine to tailor treatment to each patient's profile, and prevention strategies from childhood. These advances give hope for even more effective and better tolerated treatments in the years to come.

Many patients describe a long history of successive diets, losses and regains, accompanied by guilt and judgement. They often describe a turning point when a doctor explained that obesity was a disease and not a personal failure. Those who have found suitable care — whether dietary follow-up, a group programme, a medicine or surgery — speak of relief, better health and regained energy. All stress the importance of being listened to without judgement.

Obesity specialists emphasise a few messages: obesity is a chronic disease, not a lack of willpower; modest weight loss already has significant benefits; treatment must be comprehensive, personalised and lasting; the new medicines have changed the picture but do not replace changes in habits; and stigma is a major obstacle to care. They encourage patients to talk about their weight without shame and to seek suitable care.

Deciding to address your obesity, choosing the approaches that suit you, setting your goals and moving forward at your own pace: these choices are yours, informed by health professionals. There is no single solution, but a set of tools to combine according to your situation, preferences and life. The essential thing is not to remain alone and to regard each step forward as a victory.

Obesity is a common chronic disease with multiple causes, and it can be treated. Comprehensive care combining diet, physical activity, sleep, psychological support and, if needed, medicines or surgery can lastingly improve health and quality of life. In Switzerland, a significant part of this care can be covered by basic insurance. The first step is often the simplest: talk to your doctor.

• "Talk to your doctor about your weight, without waiting."
• "Set yourself small goals, and celebrate them."
• "Find an activity you enjoy."
• "Don't stay alone: a group or someone close helps a lot."
• "A lapse isn't a failure: start again at the next meal."
• "Look after your sleep."
• "Be wary of miracle solutions."

Successful care is not measured only by the number of kilos lost. It can be recognised by improved health, better-controlled associated conditions, better fitness, more restful sleep, a calmer relationship with food and your body, lasting habits and follow-up maintained over time. These are the goals health professionals support you towards, at your own pace.

Medespoir Suisse helps you understand the options for treating obesity, prepare your questions and find a doctor, programme or specialised centre in your region and language. Describe your situation in complete confidence; we will direct you free of charge and without obligation.

If your weight worries you or affects your health, make an appointment with your GP to talk about it. Prepare your weight history, your questions and your expectations. Medespoir Suisse can also help you find a doctor, programme or specialised centre in your region and language, confidentially, free of charge and without obligation.

Understanding of obesity and treatment options have advanced considerably in recent years. Recent medicines, multidisciplinary programmes, behavioural approaches and, for severe forms, surgery now offer effective solutions to many people who had lost hope after years of dieting. With suitable, kind care, it is possible to improve your health and quality of life lastingly.

Obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated, provided it is addressed comprehensively, kindly and over time. Suitable diet, physical activity, sleep, psychological support, medicines and, for severe forms, surgery: the options are many and can be combined according to each situation. The first step is often a consultation with your GP. To find out more, see our guide to obesity surgery, and our pages on the sleeve and the bypass.

If you remember only one thing from this guide: you are not alone, and obesity is not inevitable. Make an appointment with your GP, talk frankly about your weight, your difficulties and your expectations, and build together a plan suited to your life. Move forward in small steps, surround yourself with kind people and do not hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it. Today's treatments, more numerous and more effective than ever, allow many people to improve their health, energy and quality of life lastingly, and this path is open to you too, starting today, with the support of attentive professionals and those close to you, step by step, durably and serenely.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Obesity: surgical solutions — prices in Switzerland.

All pages in this section

• Sleeve gastrectomy in Switzerland
• Gastric bypass in Switzerland
• Gastric band in Switzerland
• Pregnancy after a gastric sleeve in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to obesity surgery in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the most frequent questions about obesity and its care in Switzerland.

Understanding obesity

At what point is it called obesity? From a body mass index of 30. Between 25 and 30, it is called overweight. Waist circumference, associated conditions and the impact on daily life complete the assessment.

How do I measure my waist circumference? Standing, halfway between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the pelvis, at the end of a normal breath out. A high waist circumference signals abdominal fat associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Is obesity a disease? Yes. It is recognised as a chronic disease, linked to biological weight-regulation mechanisms, with complications and a tendency to persist without treatment.

Why do some people gain more weight than others? Because of a combination of factors: genetics, appetite hormones, food environment, inactivity, sleep, stress, medicines and life events. In the same environment, some people are much more prone to weight gain.

Is obesity only linked to what you eat? No. Diet plays a role, but physical activity, sleep, stress, genetics, certain medicines, hormonal disorders and the environment are also involved.

Why is it so hard to maintain weight loss? After weight loss, the body increases hunger and reduces energy expenditure, as if trying to return to its previous weight. This mechanism explains the frequent regain after diets.

Does a slow metabolism exist? Differences in resting energy expenditure between people exist, but they are often smaller than people think. Appetite mechanisms and adaptation after a diet play a greater role.

Do thyroid disorders cause weight gain? An underactive thyroid can encourage moderate weight gain, but it is rarely the main cause of obesity. A blood test can detect it.

Can medicines cause weight gain? Yes, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-epileptics, corticosteroids, insulin or some hormonal treatments. Never stop them without advice; the doctor can sometimes offer an alternative.

Does stopping smoking cause weight gain? Often a few kilos, but the health benefits of stopping far outweigh those of avoiding this weight gain. Support can limit it.

Does menopause cause weight gain? It encourages fat to be redistributed towards the abdomen and sometimes weight gain, linked to hormonal changes, age and lifestyle.

Does stress cause weight gain? Chronic stress can encourage weight gain through its hormonal effects and the eating behaviours it triggers, such as comfort eating.

Does lack of sleep cause weight gain? Yes, insufficient sleep disrupts hunger and satiety hormones, increases appetite for sugary and fatty foods and encourages weight gain.

Can pregnancies contribute to obesity? Significant weight gain during pregnancy that is not lost afterwards can contribute to obesity, especially when repeated. Nutritional follow-up during and after pregnancy helps limit it.

Does childhood obesity persist into adulthood? Often, particularly when it is significant and persists into adolescence. Early care involving the family improves the chances of stabilising weight.

Does genetics condemn you to obesity? No. It increases susceptibility to weight gain, but environment, lifestyle and treatments allow effective action.

Consequences for health

Which diseases does obesity encourage? Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, excess fat in the liver, osteoarthritis, reflux, certain cancers, infertility, mood disorders and reduced quality of life.

Is modest weight loss useful? Yes. Losing five to ten per cent of your weight already improves blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, sleep apnoea and joint pain.

Does obesity reduce life expectancy? Severe obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy, mainly through cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Treatment reduces these risks.

Can you be obese and healthy? Some people with obesity do not yet have complications, but their risk of developing them over time remains higher. Regular follow-up is advised.

Does obesity affect mood? Often. Stigma, physical limitations and repeated diet failures can encourage anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Psychological support can help.

Does obesity affect fertility? Yes, in women through ovulation disorders, and in men through lower testosterone and sperm quality. Weight loss often improves fertility.

Does obesity increase the risk of cancer? Yes, for several cancers, notably of the uterus, breast after menopause, colon, kidney, liver and oesophagus. Weight loss and physical activity can reduce this risk.

Do joints suffer from weight? Yes, weight increases stress on the knees, hips and back, encouraging osteoarthritis and pain. Weight loss, even modest, often relieves them.

Is the liver affected? Often, through excess fat that can progress to inflammation and fibrosis. Weight loss is the main treatment for this liver disease.

Assessment and diagnosis

Whom should I see first? Your GP, who can carry out the assessment, treat associated conditions, prescribe dietary care and refer you to a specialist or programme if needed.

What does the assessment involve? Weight history, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, medicines, psychological experience, clinical examination, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood tests for blood sugar, lipids, liver, thyroid and other parameters depending on the situation.

Should I see an endocrinologist? Not always. An endocrinologist or obesity specialist is useful in cases of severe obesity, suspected hormonal cause, diabetes that is difficult to control or failure of first-line treatments.

Should sleep apnoea be screened for? Yes, in the case of snoring, pauses in breathing noticed by others, daytime sleepiness or tiredness on waking. A sleep recording confirms the diagnosis.

Should an eating disorder be looked for? Yes, notably binge eating, which is common in people with obesity. Specific treatment improves the results of care.

Is body composition measured? Some centres measure the proportion of fat and muscle, by impedance or other methods. It is a useful complement for tracking progress beyond weight.

Is a cardiac assessment needed? Depending on age, symptoms and risk factors, an electrocardiogram or other tests may be offered, notably before an intense physical activity programme.

Is the assessment reimbursed? Medical consultations and tests for the assessment are covered by basic insurance, subject to the deductible (franchise) and co-payment (quote-part).

Diet

Which diet is best? No single diet is superior to all others in the long term. The best is one you can maintain durably, balanced and suited to your tastes, culture and health, ideally designed with a dietitian.

Are very restrictive diets effective? They can lead to rapid weight loss, but regain is common, and they can cause deficiencies and muscle loss. They are only used under medical supervision, for specific indications.

Should I count calories? It can help some people become aware of their intake, but it is not essential. Simple guidelines, such as portion size, plate composition and regular meals, are often enough.

Is intermittent fasting useful? It can help some people reduce their intake, but its long-term results do not seem superior to those of other approaches. It is not suitable for everyone, notably with treated diabetes or an eating disorder.

Should carbohydrates be cut out? Reducing fast-acting sugars and processed foods is beneficial. Cutting out carbohydrates completely is not necessary and can be difficult to maintain. Wholegrains, pulses and fruit remain useful.

Do sugary drinks count for a lot? Yes, they provide many calories without filling you up. Replacing them with water is one of the simplest and most effective measures.

Is snacking a problem? Often, because it increases intake without you realising. Regular, sufficiently filling meals help limit it.

Is a dietitian reimbursed? Dietetic consultations on medical prescription can be covered by basic insurance, within the limits and conditions set by regulation, notably in the case of obesity and associated conditions.

Can I eat in restaurants while following treatment? Yes, by choosing simple dishes, favouring vegetables and protein, sharing or reducing portions, and limiting sauces, alcohol and desserts.

Does alcohol cause weight gain? Yes, it provides many calories, stimulates appetite and reduces control over food choices. Limiting it helps with weight loss.

Physical activity

Is sport enough to lose weight? Rarely on its own, as it takes a great deal of activity to burn off the energy of a meal. However, it is essential for health, weight maintenance, muscle mass and mood.

Which activity should I choose? One you enjoy and can do regularly: walking, cycling, swimming, aqua aerobics, dancing, strength training. What matters is regularity.

How much activity is needed? Recommendations advise at least one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate activity a week, and more to maintain weight loss, starting gradually.

Is physical activity possible with joint pain? Yes, by choosing activities that spare the joints, such as swimming, aqua aerobics or cycling, and with the support of a physiotherapist if needed.

Is strength training useful? Yes, it preserves muscle mass during weight loss and improves strength, posture and sugar metabolism.

Is physiotherapy reimbursed? On medical prescription, physiotherapy sessions may be covered for certain indications, for example joint pain or rehabilitation.

Is a supervised programme needed? A supervised programme, with a physiotherapist, a coach or in a group, helps many people get started and keep up physical activity.

Do screens contribute to weight? Time spent sitting in front of screens reduces activity and encourages snacking. Limiting it and moving regularly during the day is beneficial.

Psychological and behavioural support

Why psychological support? Because the relationship with food, emotions, stress, body image and past failures often play an important role. Support helps change habits durably and free yourself from guilt.

What is behavioural therapy? It is an approach that helps identify the situations that trigger problematic eating behaviours and develop other responses, with concrete, gradual goals.

What is a binge-eating episode? It is eating a large amount of food in a short time, with a feeling of loss of control, often followed by shame. This disorder is common and treatable.

Is psychotherapy reimbursed? Psychotherapy provided by recognised psychologist-psychotherapists on medical prescription can be covered by basic insurance under the rules in force. Ask your insurer.

Does mindful eating help? Eating slowly, without screens, paying attention to sensations of hunger and fullness, helps many people regulate their intake better.

Are support groups useful? Yes, talking with others in the same situation helps reduce isolation, share tips and stay motivated.

Should I set a target weight? It is better to set realistic, gradual goals focused on health and habits rather than an ideal weight that is hard to reach.

Medicines

Are there anti-obesity medicines? Yes. Several medicines are authorised in Switzerland. The most recent, given by injection, act on satiety hormones and allow significant weight loss in many patients.

How do the new medicines work? They mimic intestinal hormones that increase fullness, slow stomach emptying and act on the appetite centres in the brain. They also often improve blood sugar.

What weight loss can be expected? Depending on the medicine and the person, an average loss of around ten to twenty per cent of body weight has been observed in studies with the most recent ones, with wide individual variation.

What are the side effects? Mainly digestive: nausea, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, often at the start and when doses are increased. Other rarer effects exist; the doctor will inform you.

Do these medicines have to be taken for life? When they are stopped, weight regain is common. Treatment is therefore often considered long term, as for other chronic diseases, with its value regularly reassessed.

Are the medicines reimbursed? Some anti-obesity medicines can be covered by basic insurance under strict conditions set by the authorities, notably concerning body mass index, associated conditions, duration and support. The conditions change; check them with your doctor.

Who can prescribe these medicines? The GP or a specialist, depending on the coverage conditions, which may require prescription by certain doctors and defined follow-up.

Do medicines replace lifestyle changes? No, they complement them. The best results are obtained by combining medicine, a suitable diet, physical activity and support.

Can I buy these medicines online? This is strongly discouraged: counterfeit or dangerous products are in circulation. These medicines must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy.

Are these medicines suitable for everyone? No, they have contraindications and are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The doctor assesses their value and risks in your situation.

Are medicines useful after surgery? Yes, they can help in the event of insufficient weight loss or regain after obesity surgery, on medical advice.

Care in Switzerland

Does basic insurance cover obesity treatment? Medical consultations, tests, dietetics on prescription within certain limits, certain programmes and, under conditions, certain medicines and surgery can be covered. Conditions vary depending on the service.

Are there structured programmes? Yes, multidisciplinary programmes are offered by hospitals and specialised centres, for adults and for children and adolescents. Some are covered by basic insurance.

Do children with obesity have specific care? Yes, multidisciplinary programmes adapted to children and adolescents, involving the family, exist in several regions and may be covered under certain conditions.

When should surgery be considered? In severe obesity, from a body mass index of 35, when well-conducted non-surgical treatments have not been enough. See our guide to obesity surgery.

Can Medespoir direct me? Yes. Tell us your height, weight, any associated conditions and the steps already taken. We will direct you to a doctor or specialised programme in your region and language. Free, confidential and without obligation.

How long does a programme last? Often several months, with regular sessions, then maintenance follow-up. The length depends on the programme and needs.

Do I need a GP to be reimbursed? Depending on your insurance model, you may need to see your primary care doctor before consulting a specialist or following a programme.

Does supplementary insurance cover more? Some policies contribute to the cost of programmes, coaching, gym memberships or complementary medicine. Conditions vary between contracts.

Can you lose weight after 60? Yes, and it is often beneficial, provided muscle mass is preserved through sufficient protein intake and physical activity, notably strength training. Medical follow-up is advised.

Should I weigh myself often? Weighing yourself weekly at the same time helps many people follow their progress without focusing on daily fluctuations, which are normal.

Why does weight plateau after a few weeks? The body adapts to weight loss by reducing its energy expenditure. Plateaus are normal; adjusting intake, activity and sometimes treatment helps overcome them.

Are fat-burning supplements effective? No supplement sold over the counter has demonstrated significant, lasting effectiveness, and some can be dangerous. Be wary of commercial promises.

Does complementary medicine help? Some approaches, such as relaxation or hypnosis, can help manage stress or food cravings, alongside treatment. Their effect on weight alone is limited.

How much weight should I lose? A loss of five to ten per cent already improves health. The goal is set with the doctor, depending on associated conditions, the situation and the patient's wishes.

Can you lose weight while eating everything? Yes, by adjusting the quantity, frequency and composition of meals. No food is forbidden, but some should be eaten less often.

Is breakfast essential? Not necessarily. Some people do without it easily; others avoid morning snacking by having it. What matters is the regularity and quality of all meals.

Should I eat less fat? It is better to favour healthy fats, such as olive or rapeseed oil, nuts and oily fish, and limit fats from processed foods, fried foods and cured meats.

Do low-fat products help? Not always: they may contain other added ingredients and give a false sense of freedom. It is better to favour simple, minimally processed foods.

Does water help with weight loss? Drinking water instead of sugary drinks reduces intake. Drinking enough also helps distinguish thirst from hunger.

How can I avoid regaining weight? By maintaining the new habits, regular physical activity, medical follow-up, regular weighing and, if needed, long-term medication.

Is rapid weight loss dangerous? Too rapid weight loss without supervision can lead to muscle loss, deficiencies, gallstones and significant regain. Gradual loss is generally preferable.

Can treatment be followed during pregnancy? Restrictive diets and anti-obesity medicines are not advised during pregnancy. Suitable nutritional follow-up aimed at reasonable weight gain is recommended.

Should children diet? No, not in the restrictive sense. In children, the aim is to stabilise weight during growth through changes in the whole family's habits, with specialised support.

Can parents help their child? Yes, by adopting good habits for the whole family, without stigmatising the child, and encouraging physical activity, sleep and shared meals.

Does night work encourage obesity? Yes, shift work disrupts sleep, biological rhythms and meals. Suitable strategies, with a dietitian's help, can limit these effects.

Can obesity be treated remotely? Some consultations, such as dietary or psychological follow-up, can be done by video. The assessment and medical examination require in-person consultations.

Where can I find an obesity specialist in Switzerland? In university and cantonal hospitals, specialised centres and practices, and with trained GPs. Your doctor can refer you.

Can I be followed up in French in German-speaking Switzerland? In the major cities, many doctors and centres see patients in French or English. Mention it when booking.

How much does care cost? A large part is covered by basic insurance under the usual rules. We express services not covered as relative indices on our prices page.

Are tracking apps useful? They can help track diet, activity and weight. They do not replace professional support, especially in severe obesity.

Should I raise my weight with my doctor even if they don't? Yes, do not hesitate to raise the subject: obesity is a disease that deserves treatment, and your doctor can offer suitable support.

Tell us your height, your weight, any associated conditions and the steps already taken. We will direct you to a doctor or specialised programme in your region and language. Free, confidential and without obligation.