Obesity-related Ill Health Still On The Rise In Europe

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 29 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Alarming reports on the risks and costs of obesity, and the ensuing health consequences, the number of obese people in Europe is still on the rise. Eucomed believes that proper nutrition and sufficient exercise can be a major help in the fight against obesity. In some people however, only a surgical procedure can yield positive short- and long-term results.

"Still today, the idea of undergoing surgery to counter obesity is surrounded by scepticism and controversy. Nonetheless, bariatric surgery can be a cost-effective treatment which not only improves the quality of life of patients, but also allows them to more quickly return to an active lifestyle," says John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Eucomed.

A procedure such as gastric banding or gastric bypass not only provides an excellent treatment for the weight problem[1] and aesthetic burden of obesity, but can also prevent the onset of secondary disorders related to obesity such as type II diabetes, coronary diseases, orthopaedic or mental disorders. Moreover, compared to morbidly obese patients who do not undergo surgery, bariatric surgery patients need fewer post-operative hospitalizations significantly less doctor's visits in the five year follow-up period, resulting in more productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Interesting links

- European Commission white paper on "A Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues" (PDF)

- Evaluation of medical and health economic effectiveness of bariatric surgery (obesity surgery) versus conservative strategies in adult patients with morbid obesity (PDF)

- BVMed: Neuer HTA-Bericht des DIMDI belegt den Nutzen der Adipositas-Chirurgie als Beispiel moderner Medizintechnologien (in German only)

About Eucomed

Eucomed is the Voice of the medical technology industry in Europe. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 4500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry invests some EUR 3.8 billion in research and development and employs near to 435,000 highly skilled workers. The mission of Eucomed is to improve patient and clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology.

Eucomed