Website Helps People Seeking Information On Obesity Surgery

New website www.loseweightgainlife.co.uk provides clear information and support to people considering obesity surgery. To coincide with the launch of the website, findings from a new survey reveal widespread confusion over the causes of obesity in the UK with nearly 8 in 10 people (79%) believing obesity is caused purely by 'lifestyle choices', rather than being a serious medical condition, and 50% also associating the condition with 'greediness'.

Furthermore the survey revealed that nearly two thirds (62%) of respondents agreed that obesity was the biggest concern for UK health authorities, however half of these people admitted to having made fun of someone who is overweight. Overall nearly 1 in 5 UK men and women also admitted they have discriminated against an overweight or obese person.

'Lose Weight Gain Life' has been developed following extensive research with patients and physicians and offers clear, concise information to people considering safe and effective surgical procedures for obesity. These include non-surgical treatments such as the BIB System intragastric balloon, and surgical options such as the LAP-BAND AP System, and gastric bypass. The website also provides a unique 'clinic locator' which helps people find further information about specialist clinics and surgeons specialised in obesity surgery in their local area.

"It's interesting that people are performing more than 1,500 Google searches per month on gastric banding procedures in the UK alone, which demonstrates a huge desire for information about effective surgical treatments for obesity. However, I have concerns that much of the information relating to obesity surgery on the Internet may be misleading or confusing. Lose Weight Gain Life helps to navigate through this minefield and provide clear, balanced information on surgical obesity intervention surgical procedures available today", says Mr Paul Leeder, Consultant General Upper Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeon at the Nuffield Hospital, Derby.

In terms of general consumer attitudes towards obesity, the survey revealed a broad acceptance of obesity surgery among the general public, with 53% of Britons agreeing that surgical interventions for obesity should be available on the National Health Service. A further 39% of those surveyed acknowledged that the procedure could be a 'life changing' experience.

Carol Hayes (45) from Bournemouth lost 5 stone 5lb after having the LAP-BAND AP System procedure in 2005. She said: "The LAP-BAND AP has truly given me my life back and I think this website will help people weigh up their options, encouraging them to talk to their doctor and come to the best decision for them. Surgery is not a quick fix by any means. To lose weight and keep it off does require effort, but if you work with the band you will be rewarded - and the rewards are definitely worth the effort."

Obesity is responsible for 9,000 premature deaths each year in England. According to National Audit figures, one million fewer obese people in England could lead to:

- Around 15,000 fewer people with coronary heart disease,

- 34,000 fewer people developing type 2 diabetes, and

- 99,000 fewer people with high blood pressure.

In 2005, 21.2% of UK men and 21.5% of women were classified as obese. Without intervention, this figure is anticipated to increase to 33% of men and 28% of women by 2010.