Weight loss surgery up 40%

Weight loss surgery carried out on obese people increased by 40% last year, according to new figures.

The NHS performed 2,724 cases in 2007/08 of "bariatric surgery", which includes stomach stapling, gastric bypasses and sleeve gastrectomy, according to a report from the NHS Information Centre.

Overall hospital admissions for obesity also increased, up 30% from the previous year to 5,018.

From 2006 to 2007 the number of NHS prescriptions dispensed on the NHS to treat obesity increased by 16% to 1.23 million.

Drugs commonly prescribed for weight-loss include Sibutramine, which alters chemical messages to the brain controlling feelings and thoughts about food, and Orlistat, which prevents fat absorption in the intestine.  Click here for full article.