Key points
- Obesity is a chronic disease: it is treated over the long term, without judgement.
- Obesity medicine assesses your health as a whole and coordinates the different approaches.
- Goals are set with you, according to your health, your needs and your daily life.
What is the medical approach for?
The Swiss recommendations published in 2026 describe obesity as a chronic, relapsing and multifactorial disease1: like diabetes or high blood pressure, it requires long-term follow-up and care without judgement. To learn more: obesity, a chronic disease.
The doctor’s first role is to assess: your weight history, associated conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, liver disease, etc.), blood tests and your quality of life1. Body mass index (BMI) is not enough on its own; it is supplemented, for example, by measuring your waist circumference1.
The doctor then treats the associated conditions and builds a realistic plan with you.
Its place in your care pathway
Treatment combines several approaches, adapted to your situation1:
- Nutrition: support adapted to your tastes and your daily life.
- Psychology and eating behaviour. Psychological support can help you better understand your relationship with food and support the changes you make, depending on your needs.
- Physical activity: moving with enjoyment, at your own pace and within your abilities.
- Medication: it can complement these measures when they are not enough.
- Surgery: it is discussed in certain situations, after a specialist assessment.
The choice of treatment depends on your medical situation, the expected benefits and your preferences. Several approaches can be combined or follow one another.
When should you ask for a specialist opinion?
Your GP (family doctor) screens for obesity, treats it and reviews your situation. You can also ask for a specialist opinion as soon as your weight worries you: see When to see a specialist.
Long-term follow-up
- Weight regain is possible after any treatment. It is a reason to review the strategy, not to feel you have failed: see Weight regain.
- Treatment requires regular follow-up, even when everything is going well.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have “tried everything” before seeing you?
No. You can come and see us to understand your situation and learn about the options, whatever your history.
What next?
A first consultation is an opportunity to review your situation and ask your questions. Possible treatments are then discussed with you. Your request is received by the Centre’s appointments team, who will organise the next steps with you.
Medical review of the French version: Dr Pierre Fournier
Scientific sources and references
Sources accessed on 12 October 2026. Reimbursement rules and information on medicines change over time.
- Gerber PA, Collet TH, Favre L, et al. Swiss obesity clinical practice guidance. Swiss Med Wkly. 2026;156:5415. View source
- Author
- Prepared for the Centre from the sources cited
- References
- See “Scientific sources and references” on this page