New obesity self-help group launches at St. Josef Hospital this October

A new self-help group for obesity patients will launch on October 8, 2025, at St. Josef Hospital in Bad Driburg. The initiative aims to create a supportive environment where participants can share experiences and encourage one another. Meetings will be open to all, with no registration needed.

The hospital has provided comprehensive obesity treatment for 15 years. As a certified competence centre since 2018 and a recertified reference centre in 2025, it supports over 500 patients annually through both conservative and surgical therapies.

The self-help group will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in conference room U38. Christin Nissen, a specialist coordinator, and Janina Piwon, a former patient, will lead the sessions. Their goal is to foster a safe space for discussion, motivation, and peer support.

At the first meeting, Dr. Florian Dietl, chief physician of the Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery, will deliver an introductory lecture on obesity. While many obesity reference centres exist nationwide, few details are available on how many combine medical therapy with self-help initiatives.

The group's launch reflects the hospital's long-standing commitment to obesity care. Regular meetings will offer patients ongoing support alongside medical treatment. The initiative begins with an expert-led session on October 8, 2025.