Docs rule out weight-loss surgery for under-18s - NW Evening Mail
Published at 13:25, Sunday, 25 September 2011
DOCTORS in South Cumbria say there are no plans to offer weight-loss surgery to young people – despite a rise nationally in the number of under-18s going under the knife.
Figures released by the NHS reveal patients as young as 15 are being given a gastric bypass or being fitted with a gastric band.
Statistics show 210 under-25s across the UK had the operations between 2009 and 2010 – compared with 55 between 2006 and 2007.
In the same period, there were 44 requests to primary care trust NHS Cumbria for weight loss surgery, with 12 operations carried out on people in the county. The approximate total cost for the procedures was £150,000.
Doctors have set criteria for eligibility for surgical procedures, which includes that individuals must be aged 18 or over and there has to be evidence the patient has had specialist dietitian help and has attempted to lose weight without surgery.
Health bosses say there are no plans to change the criteria or lower the age limit, but everyone is treated on a case-by-case basis.
Dr Geoff Jolliffe, lead GP for Barrow, said: "Health professionals try to talk to families and parents as well, and try and be positive and encourage people to lose weight through a healthy, balanced diet and by being more active.
"They may ask them to keep a food diary to see what they can change about their diet and to make healthier food choices. They will also make suggestions around exercise which can be done with family and friends, to get them started gradually.
"They may be referred to a practice nurse, be put in touch with a community health champion, or be referred for an exercise programme depending on age, health problems and suitability.
"In some cases if the young person fails to lose weight by themselves with support, and if they have associated health problems, they may be referred to a dietitian for help and advice."
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
25 Sep, 2011
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