Exclusive: A total of 320 people went under the knife for belly-busting operations in public hospitals last year, representing the highest number on record
The number of patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity in public hospitals almost doubled last year, as 320 people went under the knife at a cost of nearly €3.5 million.
However, the 320 surgeries performed last year included “revision procedures”, which can be required where patients regain weight after initially achieving their goals following operations. Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, according to the Health Service Executive website, with 60 percent of adults and one in five children or young people overweight or obese. Patients can be considered for weight-loss operations, which are collectively known as bariatric surgery, if they satisfy a number of criteria such as having a BMI of over 40.
“Treatments for obesity should focus on disease management and health improvements rather than weight loss alone,” a spokesman said. “These include behavioural changes, medications and bariatric surgery, and depend on the complexity of the disease.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Government has held ‘number of discussions’ with Intel on expansion plansMinister for Finance Michael McGrath declined to comment on ‘a particular deal’ until it is finalised
Read more »
Increase in number of tents along Grand Canal in DublinThere are now 48 tents along a section of the Grand Canal in Dublin sheltering unaccommodated asylum seekers, an increase from last Thursday when there were 26.
Read more »
Number of asylum seekers being accommodated by State exceeds 30,000 for the first timeTD calls for random spot checks on Border as 160 people transferred from tents along Dublin’s Grand Canal in early morning operation
Read more »
Number of ‘green’ personal loans jumped over 90%, say banksAverage green loan had a value of more than €21,600 in the fourth quarter of 2023, industry figures show
Read more »
Government considers reducing weekly allowance amid sharp rise in number of asylum seekersTD calls for random spot checks on Border as 160 people transferred from tents along Dublin’s Grand Canal in early morning operation
Read more »
Ireland has second highest number of nurses after Finland, Tánaiste saysMartin dismisses ‘so-called recruitment embargo’, says needs to be a focus on ‘deployment and outcomes’
Read more »