Key points
Obesity can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, a build-up of fat in the liver, high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
These conditions can be treated together. Diet, physical activity, medication and surgery offer complementary options, adapted to your situation.
Understanding metabolic health
Metabolism is the way your body uses and stores energy. Excess fat, particularly around the organs, can disturb how it works.
The consequences vary from one person to another. The assessment takes into account your health, your body composition and the results of the tests that are useful in your situation.
Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body uses insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, less effectively. Treating obesity is an integral part of diabetes care.
Improvement may allow treatment to be reduced. In some people, remission is possible: blood sugar stays below the threshold for diabetes for at least three months, without medicines intended to lower it.
Even in remission, follow-up continues in order to monitor your health and adapt your care.
Liver health
A build-up of fat in the liver can develop without symptoms. In some people, it is accompanied by inflammation and can gradually damage the liver.
Depending on your situation, simple tests can assess this risk. Treatment combines appropriate lifestyle changes and, when indicated, medication or surgery.
Blood pressure and blood fats
High blood pressure and some abnormalities of cholesterol or triglycerides increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Treating obesity can help to improve them. Specific treatments remain tailored to your needs: your doctor reviews them according to how your blood pressure and blood test results change.
Combining medication and surgery
Care is built over time. It may combine:
- nutritional support that respects your tastes and your daily life;
- adapted physical activity, with enjoyment of movement as the aim;
- medication to act on weight and associated conditions;
- bariatric and metabolic surgery when it is indicated.
Medication and surgery can come in at different stages of the same care pathway. Drug treatment may, for example, be discussed before or after an operation, depending on how weight and metabolic health develop.
The choice depends on your medical situation, the expected benefits and your preferences. Any decision to operate is made by the multidisciplinary team, with you.
Medication and surgery: complementary approaches
Your care in Nyon
You can come to the Centre in Nyon for an assessment of your metabolic health, in coordination with your GP.
Your assessment, preparation and follow-up can be organised there. If an operation requires a specialist referral centre, we coordinate this step with the appropriate hospital. Wherever possible, and with the agreement of the host centre, Dr Pierre Fournier performs your operation there himself.
The conditions for insurance cover are explained on the dedicated page.
Frequently asked questions
I have type 2 diabetes but my BMI is below 35: can I come for a consultation?
Yes. The consultation is an opportunity to assess your metabolic health and discuss suitable treatments. Your BMI alone should not stop you from seeking a consultation.
Do I have to choose between medication and surgery?
Not necessarily. These approaches can complement each other or follow one another, depending on your needs and how your health develops.
Should my medicines be changed when I lose weight?
An adjustment may be needed, particularly for diabetes or blood pressure treatments. It is organised with your doctor and the Centre’s team.
Medical review of the French version: Dr Pierre Fournier
Scientific sources and references
Sources accessed on 15 October 2026.
- Gerber PA, Collet TH, Favre L, et al. Swiss obesity clinical practice guidance. Swiss Med Wkly. 2026;156:5415. doi:10.57187/5415. View source
- Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH, et al. Consensus report: definition and interpretation of remission in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(10):2438-2444. doi:10.2337/dci21-0034. View source
- European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). J Hepatol. 2024;81(3):492-542. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.031. View source
- Author
- Prepared for the Centre from the sources cited
- References
- See “Scientific sources and references” on this page