Weight loss surgery scrutinised

A new study suggests that gastric bands have to be replaced in half of cases.

The research from experts in Brussels, Belgium, could have an impact on decisions to use the gastric band form of weight loss surgery in the future.

A previous study has already shown that gastric bypass operations are more effective than gastric banding.

Gastric banding involves an inflatable, silicone band being inserted around a patients’ stomach. This restricts the amount of food that they can comfortably eat. Gastric bypass operations involve the intestines being re-routed so that some food is directed away from the stomach.

Both forms of weight loss operations are only recommended for severely obese people – that is, people with a body mass index, or BMI, that is above 40. A person is considered to be obese when their BMI is above 30.

Although doctors believe that weight loss surgery is cost effective, studies have fluctuated between painting these procedures in a good light, and showing them to be ineffective.

Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are the most effective methods of losing weight. Diet pills can also help some obese people to shed pounds and return to a healthy weight. In doing so they substantially reduce their chances of suffering from a number of serious health problems, including some forms of cancer.

In America, obesity is considered to be one of the biggest public health problems nationwide, affecting one in four adults.