[Obesity clinic].

The cornerstone of the evaluation of an obese patient is the medical examination in combination with a few selected obesity specific measurements. Key elements in the obesity specific history are the patient's weight history, the diet history, evaluation of the present and past physical activity pattern and the evaluation of the patient's target weight. Central elements in the examination are the computation of the body mass index (BMI) as well the measurement of the waist circumference. The waist circumference shows a higher degree of correlation with different morbidities than the BMI. A waist circumference of > 80 cm in women and > 94 cm in men is associated with an increased overall morbidity risk. In general a minimal biochemical work-up--including fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and triacylglycerol, urate, electrolytes and TSH--is enough. Special tests (screening examination for e.g. M. Cushing) are only indicated in the case of clinical suspicion; the determination of leptin is presently of no diagnostic nor therapeutic relevance. The indication for weight reduction should be formulated individually. In the long term weight stability has to be regarded as a success for most patients. Presently the prevention of weight gain and obesity is still the safest and most efficient "therapeutic" approach.