Wir überwinden Grenzen

New structure further streamlines interdisciplinary obesity care at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg / Kickoff event on World Obesity Day on March 4

Despite weight-loss injections and a constant stream of new diets, overweight and obesity have long since become widespread health issues. Two-thirds of men and half of women in Germany are overweight, and one-quarter of the population is obese. Against this backdrop, the Medical Center – University of Freiburg has established the Comprehensive Obesity Center Freiburg (COCF). Within this new structure, expertise in internal medicine, surgery, nutritional medicine, psychology, and exercise medicine will be pooled even more closely than before to provide patients with coordinated, stage-appropriate care that transcends disciplinary boundaries. The center’s work will be presented at a specialist conference on World Obesity Day on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Freiburg.

“Obesity is not merely a matter of body weight. Obesity is a chronic disease that predisposes patients to numerous secondary conditions,” says Prof. Dr. Jochen Seufert, who serves as co-director of the new center alongside Prof. Dr. Goran Marjanovic. Seufert is head of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Department of Medicine II at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, while Marjanovic is head of the Section for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery. “Even new drug therapies, such as the so-called weight-loss injection, generally cannot solve the problem on their own. In most cases, a well-coordinated comprehensive approach combining medical treatment, nutritional counseling, exercise, and psychological support is needed,” says Marjanovic.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with a BMI of 25 or higher are classified as overweight, and those with a BMI of 30 or higher as obese. BMI is calculated by dividing weight by the square of height. This determines weight in relation to height.

Joint therapy decisions in an interdisciplinary board

A central element of the new center is an interdisciplinary obesity board, where patients with complex disease courses are discussed and individual treatment decisions are made. Conservative, pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical procedures are coordinated in a targeted manner based on guidelines. The medical services are supplemented by structured exercise programs, nutritional medicine concepts, psychological support, and the involvement of self-help groups. Depending on the patient’s age, pediatricians are also consulted. 

Information on the conference 

At the conference, experts will address key aspects of obesity treatment in their presentations, including nutrition, exercise, intersections with diabetes and hormonal disorders, surgical procedures, and the specific situation in children. Representatives from self-help groups will also present the perspectives and options available to those affected. 

Experts and members of the press can register for the event at: www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/veranstaltung-cocf