The FOPH has defined criteria for the recognition of medical obesity centers

Dear SMOB members,
The FOPH has defined criteria for the recognition of medical obesity centers, which are now applied within the framework of “Spezialitätenliste / Liste des specialités” for the reimbursement of pharmacological treatments. 

SSED/ASEMO and SMOB have expressed reservations regarding these criteria (Letter to FOPH 03.11.2025 / Response from the FOPH of 26.11.2025).In this context and with a view to contributing constructively, the SSED/ASEMO and SMOB have established a definition of medical obesity centers, based on clinical expertise, current scientific standards and the realities of care delivery in daily practice.

This initiative aims in particular to:·     ensure high-quality, structured, and evidence-based care·     promote effective multidisciplinary collaboration· recognize the expertise of centers and physicians already involved in obesity care·ensure equitable access to care across the countryOn this basis, a recognition process for medical obesity centers has been established by SGED-ASEMO and SMOB. 

It allows public and private outpatient structures to apply for the corresponding label.

Please find the documents detailing the proposed criteria and the application process on our website.

Interested centers are invited to submit their application according to the provided instructions.

Best regards
Stella Mantziari & Bernd Schultes