[Psychosomatic aspects of obesity].

Obesity is characterised by an imbalance of caloric intake and energy expenditure. Increased caloric uptake and reduced physical activity are important. No specific psychopathology exists in obesity. Obese people view their body weight and form significantly more negative than lean controls and often experience depression and anxiety. Quality of life is often impaired. Obesity causes many disadvantages in interpersonal and social aspects. 30% of the obese subjects report binge eating. Whether binge eating should be considered as an independent syndrome is currently under discussion. The treatment of obesity is not satisfactory. Pharmacological approaches have so far failed. Behavioral therapy including dieting of different forms is not successful in long terms. 95% of the patients regain body weight within five years. Surgical therapy are very successful but should be only applied in severe obesity.