Health
On World Obesity Day, numerous organizations are raising awareness of the health consequences of chronic obesity. Although hospital admissions for obesity in the Vienna Health Association’s hospitals decreased last year, the number of patients treated significantly increased.
In Vienna’s municipal hospitals, 7 percent fewer patients were hospitalized for obesity in 2025 compared to the previous year. A total of 430 patients were admitted with a primary diagnosis of obesity. The treatment increasingly relies on modern medications, including weight-loss injections.
Nearly 10,000 Outpatient Treatments
However, the number of patients treated for obesity on an outpatient basis continues to rise. In the past year, the Vienna Health Association treated 9,970 individuals with obesity. This represents a more than fourfold increase compared to 2024, when 2,300 people received treatment. This increase is largely due to a recent change in the legal definition of obesity, which impacts statistical reporting.
Generally, a person is considered obese if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. BMI is calculated as the ratio of body weight to height. However, this definition has faced criticism from experts – more information can be found here. The ratio of muscle mass to fat tissue is also an important factor.
Complex Causes
The causes of obesity are multifaceted. In addition to consistently high calorie intake and a lack of physical activity, hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, chronic stress and psychological factors often play a role. The health consequences of obesity primarily include cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and joint pain. Treatment facilities are available at numerous Vienna hospitals, such as the AKH and the Klinik Landstraße.
Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, and understanding its complex causes and consequences is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
