NHS weight-loss operations ‘have doubled over 2 years’

The number of people being admitted for treatment on the NHS due to obesity has soared in recent years, it has been discovered.

According to figures released by the NHS Information Centre, almost one in four adults in the UK are obese.

The number of weight-loss operations performed within the health service has doubled over the last two years, the statistics indicate, rising from 1,950 to 4,220 in 2008-09.

The study also showed that the number of drugs distributed to curb obesity is now ten times higher than it was a decade ago.

According to Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NHS Information Centre, the paper points out that obesity is detrimental to both society and the healthcare organisation.

“The figures show a clear rise in hospital admissions, surgical procedures and drug therapies to help people tackle their obesity,” he explained.

In November, statistics for 2008 disclosed by Scottish public health minister Shona Robison showed that around one in four Scottish adults are in need of obesity treatment.