Obesity Care and Treatment Center

The MultiMedica Group is a center of excellence for the treatment of obesity.

Our facilities rely on the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, and internists, who work closely together to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable care pathway.

MultiMedica stands out for its integrated approach, offering personalized treatments for each patient: from the initial diagnosis to the various therapeutic options, our goal is to support individuals with obesity in achieving significant improvements in their health and quality of life, by providing the best care and appropriate support.

SIO-Accredited Obesity Center

Our Obesity Care Center at the IRCCS MultiMedica in Sesto San Giovanni has received accreditation from the Italian Obesity Society (SIO). This recognition certifies that the Center meets a series of requirements that guarantee excellence in the care of patients with obesity, thanks to:

• accurate assessment and personalized care for all obesity cases, including the most severe and complex;

• access to comprehensive rehabilitation and re-education programs, also available remotely, such as the innovative BOOST program;

• active participation of the Center in the national and international scientific community, contributing to the creation of an advanced and connected territorial network.

The center is led by Dr. Cesare Berra, Director of the Cardio-Metabolic Department of the MultiMedica Group and principal investigator of major international multicenter studies, and by Prof. Caterina Conte, Full Professor of Internal Medicine and Chair of the course “Metabolic Syndrome and Intestinal Diseases” at San Raffaele Telematic University of Rome, both authors of numerous scientific publications and speakers at high-level international conferences.

Their expertise and leadership ensure strong collaboration with cardiology, diabetology, and other specialties involved in obesity management, access to the latest scientific advances and therapeutic solutions, and continuous training for all staff members.

Obesity: what it is and why it must be treated

Obesity is a complex disease characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, which can significantly affect physical and mental health as well as quality of life.

The diagnosis of obesity is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height squared (m²). While simple to use, BMI offers only a general indication, as it does not account for body composition.

Body composition is crucial, since health problems linked to obesity are largely caused by excess fat, especially visceral fat (abdominal fat, particularly harmful to health). Two people with the same BMI may have very different body compositions (e.g., a bodybuilder with minimal fat but elevated muscle mass).

For this reason, assessing body composition is essential, through waist circumference measurements or advanced tools such as bioimpedance analysis.

Individuals with obesity may develop several health conditions linked to excess body fat, including:

• cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease (heart attack);

• metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance;

• respiratory problems, including sleep apnea;

• musculoskeletal complications, such as joint pain and reduced mobility;

• gastrointestinal disorders (acid reflux, colon diverticulosis, gallstones) and dermatological conditions;

• mental health issues, with increased risk of anxiety and depression;

• cancers, including esophageal, colon, and breast cancer.

Effectively treating obesity is essential to reduce these risks and improve overall well-being. Timely and appropriate intervention can lead to:

• improved quality of life;

• reduced risk of serious diseases;

• increased longevity;

• a more active and fulfilling life.

The concept of a “healthy weight” differs from that of an “ideal weight.” Obesity science has evolved, focusing on improving health rather than pursuing a numerical “ideal.” Even a modest percentage of weight loss can yield substantial health benefits. Since body weight is largely influenced by genetics, an ideal weight does not exist. People with obesity should aim for the healthiest, most sustainable weight achievable for them.

The Obesity Care pathway at MultiMedica

At MultiMedica, obesity treatment is designed to be comprehensive and personalized, adapting to each patient’s specific needs. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that every individual receives a tailored care plan, developed by a team of specialists working together to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Diagnostic Assessment

The first stage begins with a specialist outpatient visit. During this consultation, the obesity specialist carries out a comprehensive evaluation. Additional clinical or instrumental tests may be required, including:

• blood tests to assess metabolism and identify deficiencies or imbalances;

• BMI analysis to better understand the degree of obesity;

• diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram to detect cardiovascular or respiratory issues;

• body composition analysis;

• calorimetry to assess basal metabolic rate.

Personalized Care Plan

Once the assessment is complete, a personalized treatment plan is developed, taking into account:

• BMI and body composition;

• associated health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea);

• dietary habits;

• psychological status, ensuring emotional and behavioral support is integrated.

Treatment Options

Surgical Treatments
Bariatric surgery may be considered in cases of severe obesity and/or associated complications. Procedures include:

• Gastric Bypass: creating a small stomach pouch connected directly to the small intestine, limiting food intake and absorption.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: removal of a large portion of the stomach, reshaping it into a tube, reducing capacity and aiding weight loss.

• Mini Gastric Bypass: creation of a smaller stomach pouch connected to the small intestine, reducing food intake and absorption.

Non-Surgical Treatments
Options include:

• Pharmacological therapy: innovative anti-obesity drugs that reduce appetite, increase satiety, and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. At MultiMedica, therapy is supervised by obesity specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• Intragastric balloon: a balloon placed in the stomach to limit food intake, sometimes used as a pre-surgery intervention.

• Nutritional therapy: personalized dietary plans for sustainable weight loss.

• Lifestyle modification: physical exercise programs and behavioral counseling. MultiMedica is among the first hospitals worldwide to use artificial intelligence applications to enhance the effectiveness of exercise (see the BOOST Program).

Continuous Support

Long-term success in obesity treatment requires regular follow-up and multidisciplinary support. MultiMedica provides:

• regular check-ups;

• maintenance programs to help sustain weight loss;

• access to a full team of specialists for ongoing care and advice.

The Professionals involved in Obesity Care

At MultiMedica, a multidisciplinary team supports patients throughout their journey, including:

• Bariatric Surgeon: responsible for evaluation, surgery, and follow-up.

• Nutritionist: develops personalized dietary plans.

• Psychologist: provides psychological support, behavioral change strategies, and ensures readiness for surgery.

• Endocrinologist & Diabetologist: manage hormonal disorders and metabolic complications.

• Internist: oversees general health, comorbidities, and coordinates personalized treatment plans.

MultiMedica Obesity Care Centers

The MultiMedica Group boasts a Bariatric Surgery Center accredited by the Italian Society of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases (SICOB) for the number, type, and quality of procedures performed — including revision surgeries.

The center, located at IRCCS MultiMedica in Sesto San Giovanni, is recognized as a center of excellence in bariatric surgery. It features multidisciplinary expertise that ensures comprehensive patient care for individuals with obesity, from diagnosis through to full physical recovery and improved quality of life.

For the treatment of overweight and obesity, patients can refer to IRCCS MultiMedica in Sesto San Giovanni and San Giuseppe Hospital in Milan, where dedicated care pathways are available within MultiMedica’s facilities.

Below are the facilities where diagnosis and treatment of obesity are carried out, under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Porta:

• The Bariatric Surgery Center at IRCCS MultiMedica Sesto San Giovanni, a SICOB-accredited Center of Excellence, directed by Dr. Domenico Labonia and Dr. Marta Tagliabue, part of the General Surgery Unit led by Dr. Salvatore Guarino, under the overall coordination of Dr. Andrea Porta, Inter-Hospital Head.

• The Endocrine Diseases and Diabetology Unit, directed by Dr. Cesare Berra, Head of the Cardio-Metabolic Department at MultiMedica, supported in the management of obesity clinics by Prof. Caterina Conte, Head of the Research Unit on Obesity and Cardio-Metabolic Complications Related to Obesity, holder of national and international certifications as an Expert in Obesity Management (SIO, OSSI, CICO).

Useful Information for Patients

• To book an initial consultation, contact the CUP at 02.86.87.88.89, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

• For more information, contact the Bariatric Surgery Unit Secretariat at 02.2420.9252.

MultiMedica is committed to providing patients with the highest level of support throughout the entire obesity treatment journey, ensuring professionalism, compassion, a safe and welcoming care environment, and the use of advanced technologies.

Medical specialties involved

• Bariatric Surgery

• Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

• Internal Medicine

• Motor Rehabilitation

• Clinical Psychology