He has been actively involved in self-help groups for over 20 years. He is a founding member and the first chairman of AdipositasHilfe Deutschland e. V. (Obesity Support Germany). Since 2023, he has held the position of first chairman of DiabetesHilfe Nord e. V. (Diabetes Support North). From 2021 to 2024, he was actively involved in the development of the Disease Management Program (DMP) for obesity as a patient representative on the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA).