What is the aim of this study?

Being severely overweight (obesity) is associated with an increased health risk. This requires interdisciplinary and individualized therapy. However, treatment options for people with obesity are severely limited in Germany.

DOC WEIGHT® 2.3 is a multimodal treatment program for obesity and secondary diseases and was developed jointly by the Federal Association of German Nutritionists (BDEM) and the Association of German Dietitians (VDD).

The study, which is now beginning, aims to show that the one-year DOC WEIGHT® 2.3 weight loss program leads to relevant weight loss and health improvements. To this end, DOC WEIGHT® 2.3. will be compared with the optional supplement of the formula diet and the standard therapy.

Who can participate?

We are looking for the following people:

• Aged between 18 and 70 years
• with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2)
• Interest in the study and willingness to participate in answering the question of which is the most effective obesity therapy

The following exclusion criteria apply:

• Insulin-treated diabetes mellitus
• Progressive cancer
• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Acute infection
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Participation in another clinical trial

What happens in the study?

After determining general eligibility, a lot is drawn to determine who will participate in which of the three obesity programs tested in the study. The program arms differ as follows:

Arm 1 is the new DOC WEIGHT® 2.3 program with formula diet.

• Sports therapy once a week
• Nutrition therapy (individual and group mode)
• Behavioral therapy
• Formula diet

Arm 2 also consists of the DOC WEIGHT® 2.3 program, but without the formula diet.

Arm 3 comprises the current standard obesity therapy, which consists of five sessions of nutritional counseling.

All participants, regardless of the group, receive medical supervision for the entire duration of the study, including laboratory measurements and other examinations.

How much time is required?

The examinations take place within one year. In addition to a comprehensive medical check-up, you will receive an expense allowance of 30€.