Causes of morbid aposity (BMI>40)
Currently a "renaissance" of adiposity therapy can be noted since new treatment approaches have been developed for the mild expressions (Grades I-II), as well as for morbid obesity itself. Even now, new approaches involving medication utilising lipase blockers and serotonin agonists are in use, reducing fat absorption and influencing satiety perception through the central nervous system.
Increased importance is given to behavioural therapies for frequently occurring eating disorders. Whereas mild expressions of obesity can undoubtedly be treated by conservative means, surgical treatment of morbid obesity, which cannot be influenced significantly by conservative means (despite their higher costs), has become more widespread than ever before due to the introduction of minimal-invasive surgical techniques in the early to mid-90s in Europe (see also surgical therapy).
Prevention of the mild adiposity forms of course would be the most efficient and thus least cost intensive measure, as these forms produce much higher costs than the actual morbid adiposity itself. Increasing awareness of the socio-cultural problems associated with and the economical impact of adiposity on health care systems require intensive fundamental research in order to further develop new therapy approaches. Thus, by understanding the complex control mechanisms and identifying the single components, a treatment of morbid adiposity with drugs may become possible in the future.