Ireland Needs Obesity Surgery Units
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has called for the opening of specialist centres to perform radical weight reduction surgery.
The recommendation was issued in response to what they describe as an alarming escalation in obesity.
The organisation says that to reduce the risk of obesity and illness people must eat healthily and take regular exercise. However, the IMO advise that where diet and exercise fails repeatedly, medication and or surgery can be effective.
“Treating obesity is a priority. Multi-disciplinary specialist centres with resources to perform weight reduction surgery need to be established nationwide to address the degree of obesity in Ireland,” the IMO recommends.
“Good prevention programmes/strategies combined with early treatment will reap the greatest dividends,” they said.
The doctors say that people who are obese are at greater risk of developing a wide range of illnesses including:
Respiratory difficulties
Musculo-skeletal problems
Skin problems
Infertility
Diabetes
Cancer
Cardiovascular disorders
Psychological disorders
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