Obesity Increase
OnMedica, 11th February 2010
The number of weight-loss procedures performed by NHS increased more than twice between years 2006 and 2009. The NHS performed 4,220 procedures in years 2008/09 whereas 1,950 operations were carried out in years 2006/07.
The new report on obesity for England for the year 2010 shows that the number of people admitted to the hospitals because of obesity increased by 60% from 2007/08 to 2008/09. Also the number of prescribed medicines to treat obesity is 10 times higher in 2008 than it was in 1999.
In 2008 about 24% of men and 25% of women were classified as obese with BMI of 30 or more. 42% of men and 32% of women were classified as overweight in 2008 (BMI of 25-30).
Also a big number of children were classified as obese: 17% of boys aged 2-15 and 15% of girls.
“This report highlights the impact of obesity not just on society, but on the NHS. The figures show a clear rise in hospital admissions, surgical procedures and drug therapies to help people tackle their obesity,” said Tim Straughan from The NHS Information Centre.
More study published in the Journal of the American medical Association show that weight-loss surgery is the most effective way of weight loss. The teenagers between 14 and 18 years old are very likely to lose about 50% of their excess weight, gain health benefits and a better quality of life.
“Bariatric surgery is now extensively used for adults and is being evaluated for adolescents,” the study conclude. “Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (gastric banding) has the potential to provide a safe and effective treatment.”
