Facts and figures

Below are some facts and figures on weight loss surgery and obesity. These are regularly updated, so keep visiting for the latest information.

1. In 2002, 1.2 million people in England and Wales were estimated to be severely obese or morbidly obese and this figure is set to increase 5% year on year. It is estimated that 30,000 of this 1.2 million will die as a result of their obesity.

2. The UK has the highest levels of morbidly obese compared to the French, Spanish, Italians and Belgians but the least number of surgeons. In 2003 over 12,000 operations were performed in France and 6,000 in Belgium. 4341 were performed In the UK in 2005.

3. The number of weight loss surgery procedures carried out in the UK doubled between 2004 and 2005. It is forecast to do so again in 2006.

4. Between 2004 and 2005 the number of surgeons qualified to carry out bariatric surgery doubled to meet demand. There are currently approximately 70 practicing bariatric surgeons in the UK. Just over 30 of these work with BMI Healthcare.

5. There are strict criteria set by the UK government health advisory body, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) about selecting patients who are likely to most benefit from surgery. They must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 40, or over 35 with an obesity related disease, and must have tried other methods to lose weight.

6. Some NHS trusts will now only operate on patients with a BMI of 45 to 50.

7. The NHS funds approx 46% of all procedures, the remainder are funded privately.

8. Obesity has grown by 400% in the last 25 years and will soon surpass smoking as the greatest cause of premature loss of life. It has huge implications on a person's health and can cause type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, osteoarthritis, some types of cancer, heart disease and psychological damage.

Sources:
NICE guidelines 2002/041
BOSPA 04/09/05