Obesity is a global epidemic, and approximately 20 % of the German population are obese. Therefore anaesthesiologists will be increasingly involved in the care of obese and morbidly obese patients in the near future. As a prerequisite, the hospital must focus on this patient population with respect to facilities and the availability of tailored medical equipment and supplies. Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and sleep apnea considerably increase the risk of obese patients. A thorough preoperative evaluation of comorbidities, an anaesthesia induction and intraoperative ventilation tailored to the pathophysiological sequelae of obesity and a sound knowledge of pharmokocinetics are necessary to ensure optimal care for obese patients.