Men and obesity

One in four men in the UK are obese and unfortunately this figure is rising. In the 1960's being a little bit overweight wasn't seen as a serious health risk, it was just a slight problem to have an overly tight waistband and beer belly. Today the situation is far more serious. Over the years men have got bigger and bigger and are no longer overweight, but obese. Along with the tight waistband obese men are now prone to health problems such as an increase in heart disease, type II diabetes, raised cholesterol and other weight related disorders.
The diet industry has been and still is predominantly aimed at women but this is beginning to change. Men are now beginning to understand that its not ok to be obese and that there are things they can do to change this. In particular the increase in availability of obesity, or bariatric surgery, has meant that men who are morbidly obese can deal with their obesity.
Since bariatric surgery has been made available, the majority of patients have been women. Although this is still the case, the number of men having bariatric surgery is increasing. Men are certainly getting bigger but they are also more informed about taking responsibility for their health. They know that being obese is not acceptable and that bariatric surgery such as the gastric bypass and gastric band procedures are a sensible and successful way to address their weight and health problems.
Fred, 49, works in computer sales in Brentford. He underwent a gastric bypass with Streamline Surgical when his weight reached 27 stones, he explains:
"I was called to see my boss after the occupational health department said I was a health and safety risk following a bout of sick leave for back pain. I was gutted. I love my job and was really upset when it was at risk. Aside from that, we still have 6 years of mortgage to pay and my wife and I were really worried about the future. I heard about the gastric bypass after seeing Guy Slater from Streamline Surgical on TV. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and it has been worth every penny as I have lost over 5 stone in 5 months and the weight is still dropping off. My energy has returned, back pain gone and I have confidence in myself again."
Toni Russo is a bariatric nurse consultant for Streamline Surgical:
"Operations such as gastric bands and gastric bypass have really improved mens health. These obesity operations allow men to regain a quality of life and longer life expectancy. "
With surgery shown to be the only proven effective treatment for morbid obesity, surgeons such as Somers and Slater are likely to be busy for some time.

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