Not an easy proposition

New AOK treatment programm for obese people also arrange surgical treatment

One out of two Germans have overweight, one out of six is obese. Who suffers with extreme overweight (obesity) has to contend his obesity by itself and also mostly with serious sequels. These include cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, type II diabetes mellitus, lipid disorder and pathological changes in the congested spine and joints. Very few patients make it on their own initiative without assistance to get rid of the incriminating pounds again.

As Germans first health insurance company the AOK Berlin-Brandenburg offers a treatment program which also provides surgical treatment for extremely obese adults. The treatment begins with a six-month anamnesis and advice, including clarification of patient’s eating behavior and the individually appropriate procedures for operation, for example a stomach stapling.

After surgery a 24 month follow up takes place in a Berlin focused practice. “Surgery helps patients to reduce their weight, but it does not cope with the causes that have led to extreme obesity” said the specialist in general medicine and director of the participating specialized practice Dr. Anke Rosenthal. For a sustainable success of treatment a patient’s care before and after surgery is important as well as to achieve particular behavioral changes in diet and physical exercise. “Long-term weight loss without Yoyo-effect also requires an active cooperation of the patients” said Dr. Rosenthal. “We support them with nutritional medicine and psychological therapy together with physical movement therapy.”

To achieve new quality of life

To make a sustainable weight loss possible for extreme obese patients, the AOK Berlin-Brandenburg concluded a contract for integrated care with DRK hospitals in Berlin and a specialized medical practice of nutritional medicine and obesity surgery.

The program follows the guidelines of German society of obesity, it involves a surgical procedure and a medical and psychological care about 2,5 years. Insurants between 18 to 60 years with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI over 35 with serious complications can participate.

The program complements the variety of AOK offers and health courses on healthy eating and physical activity for children, adolescents and adults.

For more information on obesity treatment program check online at www.aok.de/bb or using the free phone service AOK 0800 2650800 or contact AOK Service Center directly.