Fight against obesity: The O. family finds a new way to health!

Fight against obesity: The O. family finds a new way to health!

Yesterday evening, on September 22nd, 2025, the 85th episode of the “Food as Medicine” format hit the screens and highlighted explosive topics such as obesity and the common esophageal disease eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). How NDR reports, nutrition doc Matthias Riedl introduced a family from Burgwedel near Hanover, whose four-year-old daughter Lotta is noticeably overweight at 29 kg and 116 cm tall. A genetic predisposition due to overweight parents was identified as the main cause.

The problems presented should not be underestimated. Obesity can lead to secondary diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and fatty liver disease even in childhood. The aim of the program was therefore clear: to reduce the risk of these serious diseases. A new menu was developed for the entire family, including the brothers Lasse and Ole. This included a cooking class that focused on filling, low-carb dishes without sugar. Among other things, water-rich foods such as cucumbers, tomatoes and zucchini were recommended.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: An underestimated condition

Another focus of the program was eosinophilic esophagitis, a disease that was diagnosed in the boy Mats J. Mats has difficulty swallowing and his diagnosis turned out to be an incidental finding. Gastrointestinal expert Viola Andresen warned urgently about the damage that can occur to the esophagus without treatment. Mats decided against cortisone treatment and instead followed a strict elimination diet.

The triggers of EoE are diverse and often manifest themselves in the form of food intolerances. According to the surveys by e-oe.de In many cases, milk (60%), wheat or gluten (50%), nuts (10%) and eggs (10%) are responsible as classic allergens. To control symptoms, dietary therapeutic approaches aimed at symptomatic improvement without drug treatment were used. The “6-FED” diet, which eliminates six food groups, has been shown to be particularly effective.

Intensive studies give hope

In a current phase III study, how Medical Journal reported, the drug dupilumab (Dupixent®) was studied in children with EoE. The results showed promising histological disease remission in 63% of the treated small patients, over a period of up to 52 weeks. Replacing the placebo with a higher dose of dupilumab also noticeably improved the symptoms.

The combination of individual nutritional adjustments and new drug approaches could shed light on the situation for many of those affected. However, diet for eosinophilic esophagitis remains a challenge that is best managed under the guidance of trained nutritionists.

With a better understanding of these diseases and good nutritional approaches, affected families can find help and solutions to improve their children's quality of life and counteract serious health risks.