[Mobilization of obese patients : Increasing demands on personnel and equipment].

The number of overweight people in Germany is constantly increasing, thus, forcing nurses and therapists to adjust to new challenges in patient care. Therefore, it is necessary to redefine the methods and goals in treating obese people. Working in an interprofessional team, using state of the art techniques, seems to be of crucial importance in facing the complex treatment that is associated with these patients. The occupational safety and health of personnel is of utmost importance.In this article, the problems associated with patient care and consequences for medical staff are considered. Finally, possibilities to facilitate work in treating obese patients are discussed.