OBJECTIVES  Overweight is associated with increased risk of morbidity, mortality and appears to adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Though advances in obesity therapy can be observed, the long-lasting outcome is dissatisfying. This study aims to investigate patients’ preferences of overweight and obesity therapy in the setting of rehabilitation. METHODS  Qualitative and quantitative methods were applied to identify key attributes. Literature review, focus groups (N=44) and expert interviews (N=5) were conducted to elicit relevant attributes and endpoints. A total of 64 possible therapy items were surveyed (N=201) using a classic rating scale in 5-point Likert format. Psychometric tests (frequency, factor analysis, reliability tests) were used to verify the structure of relevant attributes. Discrete choice experiments were developed using a fractional factorial design in fold over method. For statistical data analysis, we used a random effect logit models for the DCE. Finally a self-administered survey, measuring preferences, was conducted in Germany in 2009 (n= 110). RESULTS  A total of 110 patients responded of which 51,82% were male, mean age 53,05 years, mean BMI 33,54 kg/m² (SD 7,73) answered the questionnaire. The highest relevance for the respondents’ selection was the aspect of care coordination (Item 6: Coefficient 1.473; SE 0.185) and individual therapy (Item 4: Coefficient 1.446; SE 0.188). The aspect of infrastructure of care was less relevant in the discrete choice experiment. All included attributes lead to significant coefficients. CONCLUSIONS  Weight reduction therapy should enable patients to receive a structured, coordinated and predefined therapy that is individualized based on personal needs, behaviour and circumstances. Patients are willing to abandon infrastructural quality for getting better coordination, structure in there therapy. Further research is needed to distinguish the possible interpretations of the presented preference dimensions, the possibility of including them into weight loss programs and to take notice of heterogeneity within patient population in weight loss programs.