Women and poor 'more likely to need obesity surgery'

Researchers, who examined the health of nearly 9,500 people, acknowledged the huge financial implications for the NHS if treatments were carried out in such greater numbers.

According to NHS guidelines, weight loss surgery may be offered to those whose morbid obesity could kill them, or to people who are morbidly obese and who have a serious condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure that could be improved if they lost weight.

The study found that those meeting the criteria for bariatric surgery were more likely to be women, retired with lower educational qualifications and of lower socio-economic status.

Several factors contributed to surgery rates being so low, the study found:

• Those with greatest need for surgery were more often in the lowest socio-economic groups, who are least likely to use healthcare services.

• Patients' awareness of the possibility of surgery and their commitment to make the necessary lifestyle changes prior to the treatments may also be barriers, researchers said.

• Doctors might not be correctly identifying or referring those eligible, and service provision may also be insufficient.