New Webinar Tackles Obesity Stigma and Advanced Treatment Options for Pharmacists

A new webinar aims to improve obesity care by addressing stigma, treatment options, and pharmacists' key role. The event, open only to registered pharmacists, will feature insights from Dr. Dennis Ballwieser, a physician living with obesity. Recent data shows that over 8.6 million Germans—around 10% of the population—have diagnosed obesity, with numbers rising.

Obesity is now recognised as a chronic disease, not a lifestyle choice. It carries serious physical, psychological, and social effects. Yet public perception still often blames individuals, ignoring the complex biology behind the condition. In Germany, studies suggest between 16.7% and 25% of adults live with obesity, with women more frequently affected. Diabetes, a common complication, affects over 9 million people nationwide.

The webinar will focus on cutting-edge treatments like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a drug that mimics natural hormones to regulate weight. New medications show high efficacy, but questions remain about lifelong use and long-term effects. Sessions will also cover practical skills, such as training patients on injection pens, managing nutrient deficiencies, and improving treatment adherence.

Dr. Ballwieser will share his personal experiences to highlight the harm of stigma in healthcare. The event includes an open Q&A but requires professional verification under German advertising law. Pharmacists play a vital part in patient care, guiding treatment adherence and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The webinar seeks to bridge gaps in obesity treatment by combining medical expertise with real-world patient perspectives. Pharmacists will gain tools to support adherence and address nutritional risks. With obesity rates climbing, the event underscores the need for respectful, evidence-based care.