Which doctor helps with weight loss? From the GP to the obesity centre

The essentials in brief

Losing weight with a doctor: when medical help makes sense

Losing weight with a doctor is not a sign of weakness but, in the case of obesity, the medically recommended approach. Obesity is a chronic disease involving metabolism, hormones, predisposition and life circumstances. Medical support helps to identify causes, treat related conditions and find an approach that suits your own situation.

Medical support makes particular sense if:

• your BMI is 30 or aboveFrom this value, it is referred to as obesity. You can calculate your value with the BMI calculator.
• you have related conditionssuch as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, raised blood lipids, fatty liver, joint problems or sleep apnoea – in which case even with a lower BMI.
• several serious attempts have not helpedIf your weight does not go down despite changing your diet, or keeps coming back.
• your weight is a burden to youphysically, in everyday life or emotionally.

The guide I want to lose weight but can’t manage it explains which medical reasons can lie behind unsuccessful attempts to lose weight.

Nutritional medicine physicians: what the title means

A nutritional medicine physician is a doctor, usually with specialist training in general or internal medicine, for example, who has additionally completed further training in nutritional medicine. They can assess nutrition and diseases together, for example in the case of diabetes, fatty liver or after weight-loss surgery, and initiate medical therapy.

There are also non-medical nutrition professionals. The titles say different amounts about their training:

Dietitians: a state-recognised health profession with a protected professional title.

Oecotrophologists and nutrition scientists: a university degree in nutrition and home economics.

Nutrition advisers: not a protected title – the qualification can range from a university degree to a short course.

So ask about their training. Many German health insurers provide a subsidy for nutritional counselling with a medical certificate if the counselling is carried out by a recognised professional. It is best to clarify this with your health insurer in advance.

Specialists for specific questions

Depending on the findings, the GP practice refers you to the appropriate specialty:

Professional help with weight loss: what to look out for

Alongside doctors’ practices and hospitals, there are many services that promise professional help with weight loss: programmes, coaches, apps and “obesity advisers”. This title is not protected; it may stand for medical, nutritional science or entirely different qualifications. You can recognise reputable services by these points:

• Medical involvementPre-existing conditions and medication are asked about, and a doctor is involved if needed.
• Transparent qualificationsThe training and names of the advisers are openly stated.
• Realistic goalsno promises of a certain number of kilos in a short time.
• Transparent costsPrices, duration and cancellation terms are clear in advance.
• Support beyond weight lossMaintaining your weight is part of the plan.

Medical support by video can also make sense, for example for follow-up checks. A prerequisite is a thorough medical history taken by a specialist – especially if medication is to be prescribed.

Which doctor suits your situation?

For guidance, without replacing the medical assessment in the individual case:

What does German health insurance pay for?

Consultation

At Weight Doctors®, specialists in surgery, internal medicine and gastroenterology work together – from nutrition coaching and Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy to stomach reduction. Before we recommend a treatment, three experts check whether it suits you; you can see who treats patients with us under Our specialists. The consultation is possible in person, by phone or by video and is 100% no obligation: Book a consultation