Klinik Landstraße uses innovative therapies in obesity treatment | City vienna – 2024-03-05 17:29:15

The number of people with obesity is increasing rapidly. Around 1.2 million people are affected in Austria. World Obesity Day on March 4, 2024 draws attention to this. The number of people with obesity is increasing rapidly. Around 1.2 million people are affected in Austria. World Obesity Day on March 4, 2024 draws attention to this.

Vienna (OTS) – Risk factors for obesity include lack of sleep, shift work, chronic stress, an imbalance in intestinal bacteria, little physical activity, but also chemical substances such as plasticizers, which have a negative impact on hormonal balance. In addition, the brain – specifically the hypothalamus – also plays a crucial role. “In order to ensure survival even during a drought or cold spell, the hypothalamus constantly tries to regain a maximum weight that has been reached,” explains Johanna Brix, internist and head of the obesity clinic at the Landstrasse Clinic and the Wienerberg Diabetes Center. This process makes it difficult to maintain weight in the long term after weight loss.

High increase in obesity diseases

Between 2003 and 2018 alone, the number of young men with obesity increased to more than 10 percent. “We know this exactly from a 15-year comparison in the armed forces, in which young men are examined for their health suitability,” explains Brix. Since 2000, obesity has been recognized as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Vienna Health Network has special obesity clinics for the diagnosis, treatment and care of obesity patients.

Revolution in obesity therapy

“Obesity is a chronic disease and therefore cannot be cured simply by eating less. A multidisciplinary approach is needed that takes all the causes into account,” says Brix. New effective medications offer hope. “These are based on intestinal hormones that curb the feeling of hunger, trigger a feeling of satiety and moderate cravings,” explains Brix.

This results in weight loss. At the same time, these medications also affect comorbidities, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and blood lipids. This was the result of a large international study involving the Landstrasse Clinic. “This is a revolution. So far we have successfully used these drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. But it is now clear that people with obesity and a previous cardiovascular disease also benefit from it,” says Brix. Because your risk of cardiovascular disease also decreases when you take these medications.

⃰ Those: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/gesundheit/gesundheitsverhalten/uebergewicht-und-adipositas

Links:

Adipositas Ambulanz

Questions & Contact:

Mag.a Anne Frankenberg
Vienna Health Association
Press spokesperson
Phone: +43 1 71165 1410
Email: anne.frankenberg@gesundheitsverbund.at