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Obesity Discussion · 08-09-06, 02:34 PM

Obesity taking toll on x-ray machines

Aug 9, 2006

The rising rate of obesity is taking its toll on the nation's x-ray machines and making it difficult for doctors to diagnose illnesses.

Twenty percent of adults are now obese and while new imaging equipment is being built to cater for larger patients, the cost means many hospitals are having to get by with older equipment.

Director of radiology at Auckland Hospital, Dr Alan List, says it is more difficult to get good images of overweight patients because the radiation needs to be applied for longer to get through the extra fat.

He says this takes a toll on machines such as the CT scanner which can over-heat and also makes it harder for doctors to diagnose patients.

Article

08-09-06, 02:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
Obesity Discussion Administrator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,960 Weight Statistics 8/1/2006 Start Date: 185 lb Start Weight: 152 lb Current Weight: 155 lb Goal Weight: -33 lb Weight Loss: 5/1/2007 Goal Date:	Obesity taking toll on x-ray machines in New Zealand Obesity taking toll on x-ray machines Aug 9, 2006 The rising rate of obesity is taking its toll on the nation's x-ray machines and making it difficult for doctors to diagnose illnesses. Twenty percent of adults are now obese and while new imaging equipment is being built to cater for larger patients, the cost means many hospitals are having to get by with older equipment. Director of radiology at Auckland Hospital, Dr Alan List, says it is more difficult to get good images of overweight patients because the radiation needs to be applied for longer to get through the extra fat. He says this takes a toll on machines such as the CT scanner which can over-heat and also makes it harder for doctors to diagnose patients. Article __________________