New discussion group in Bottrop: Help for those affected by obesity!

New discussion group in Bottrop: Help for those affected by obesity!

A new initiative in Bottrop wants to offer a space for those affected by obesity and their relatives: The “In Balance” discussion group will start in July 2025, organized by the social service/discharge management team at the St. Antonius Hospital. This circle not only offers the opportunity for exchange, but also highlights important topics that address many challenges related to obesity.

“Beyond the SCALE” is one of the central themes, which deals with the effects of stigma that people with obesity often experience. According to journalmed.de, this discrimination has far-reaching consequences for the mental well-being and quality of life of those affected. Psychosocial support therefore becomes essential to break this cycle and strengthen self-esteem. A meta-analysis shows that people with obesity have a 32% higher risk of depression - an alarming number.

Details about the discussion group

The discussion group takes place every second Tuesday of the month in the cafeteria of the St. Antonius Hospital, Gartenstraße 17, 46244 Bottrop-Kirchhellen. The first dates are scheduled for July 8, 2025 and August 12, 2025, with further meetings until December. The experienced specialists Susanne Natinger, Jessica Schneider and Silvia Prevorsek are in charge. The cooking event, where personal eating habits are discussed and new approaches are taught, will be particularly exciting.

Registration for the meetings is required. Anyone interested can contact the district leaders directly using the contact details provided. This information is also important for those who may not know where to find support.

The complexity of obesity

Obesity is not just a physical illness, it also has profound psychological and social aspects. According to the Adipositas Foundation, being overweight due to psychological problems can severely affect body image and increase eating-disordered behavior. Stress, high pressure in everyday life and unhealthy access to food are factors that contribute to weight gain. In addition, many report that they use food as a coping strategy in difficult times.

This makes it all the more important to counteract stigmatization. This not only leads to a poor self-image, but can also pave the way into a vicious circle that makes losing weight even more difficult. The “In Balance” discussion group not only offers a platform for discussions, but also the opportunity to work together on solutions and support each other.

The organizers see this offer as a valuable help in overcoming the challenges that obesity brings with it. It remains to be hoped that many of those affected will find their way to the cafeteria of the St. Antonius Hospital and take the opportunity to actively work on their situation.