Weight loss surgery cuts heart attack risk, research shows

The risk of diabetes and heart attacks can be reduced by weight loss surgery, new research suggests.

A study of almost 8,000 patients over a four-year period found that those who underwent procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric banding saw their risk of developing high blood pressure, heart attacks and type 2 diabetes fall.

In addition, all 3,882 patients that were given surgery lost between 20kg and 48kg and did not put their weight back on after the operation.

The authors of the study told the PLoS Medicine journal that there are clear benefits to the surgery for patients who are severely overweight.

Around 8,000 people receive the treatment annually on the NHS, but the authors estimate 1.4 million people in England could benefit.

Dr Ian Douglas of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who led the study, described the results as "really encouraging", noting that losing weight through diet and exercise is not always possible.

"We are not saying surgery is right for everyone, but it can be really effective," he added.