Intake of high calories and a decrease in physical activities (such as exercises) are some of the causes of obesity. Another aspect such as genetics is also a leading cause.
For the UK, the NHS weight loss surgery will see massive surges as the numbers of bariatric patients increase. Weight Loss Riga offer patients access to an exclusive Facebook Group, where users can engage with real patients of Weight Loss Riga!
In Europe, the number of obese individuals is on the increase. In the UK alone, the figures are nothing to write home. There is the indication that an average UK citizen is either obese or overweight. In the same vein, the figure of obesity is about 63% for men and 55% for women.
Bariatric surgery has general regard as the one-stop solution to obesity. Despite the impressive weight loss options, the procedure is not in top gear. In the UK, the number of weight loss surgeries is on the decrease. When compared to the 38, 000 bariatric procedures in France and the numerous figures in other EU countries, there is no doubt that the UK is lagging behind.
A Look at Europe’s Bariatric Surgery Market
As the figures continue to increase and with the surge in medical tourism, the quest for bariatric surgery will be on the rise. In Europe, the chances of passing through the knife are high. This is because of the availability of patients.
While some countries top the list, others are still in the pipeline. For instance, there is the estimation that more Irish men and women will be overweight by 2030. Similarly, the UK, which passes as the second largest country with a high obesity rate, is getting more increase in the number of obese individuals. On the other side, countries such as Austria and Sweden, which have low obesity levels, are likely to see a rise in the next decade.
With the UK opening the floor and other countries already joining the fray, there is the tendency for a sharp rise in the number of obese population in these countries. While these figures are staggering, they have some inputs for Europe’s bariatric surgery market. First, medical tourism will be on the rise. More patients will be coming to European countries to undergo different bariatric surgeries. On the other hand, it breeds more costs for the countries’ healthcare sector. For the UK, the NHS weight loss surgery will see massive surges as the numbers of bariatric patients increase.
NHS’ Take on Weight Loss Surgery
The National Health System (NHS) of the UK is putting up measures to actualize effective bariatric surgery. In addition to its guidelines, patients can be sure of getting the best treatment for their obesity. On the other hand, there have been criticisms about the system’s functionality. For some time, the NHS has not been living up to expectations. Analysts often cite the few bariatric surgeries as a major concern to the system’s delay in offering maximum healthcare services. These criticisms come up because of the stringent steps a patient has to go through before passing through the knife in an NHS weight loss surgery.
In spite of these, the few that are patient have good tales to tell. While they are at liberty to get excellent procedures, they will also be saving some funds. Apart from these, in the event of medical tourism, the NHS might pledge support. Despite the massive decrease in UK’s bariatric surgery, hopes are alive that the system will bounce back. As the government continues to fund it, in a few years, the UK will be in good stead to compete with other EU countries in bariatric surgeries.
Restrictions on NHS
While the system continues to grope its way to offer efficient healthcare services, some medical treatments are not on the list. The core designation of the NHS is on bariatric surgery. While this is the focus, it does not support other aspects.
First, Chiropractic therapy, private scans, and dental care services are not cheap. In addition, eye tests are not free. Sometimes, bariatric patients have to embark on self-pay medical tourism when they are running out of time. Physiotherapy is free and patients are likely to get a refund for their medical tourism (after the necessary documentation).
Qualifying for NHS Weight Loss Surgery
In spite of the fact that the system is slow, patients still have belief in the NHS. There are relevant steps to obtain a pass for an NHS weight loss surgery. Sometimes, these steps contribute to the disqualification of many prospects.
First, an applicant must be a UK citizen. Applications from non-EU countries are likely to get a disqualification. In the same vein, the local health board and the General Practitioner (GP) will make valuable researches to determine the eligibility of a patient. On the intention of a patient to embark on medical tourism, the stipulation for financing the trip or offering a reimbursement is that such patients must be an NHS beneficiary.
The Qualification Phase: Criteria to Meet
The National Health Service (NHS) is under the regulation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). This body stipulates the requirements of qualifying for an NHS weight loss surgery. Apart from regulating the influx of patients to the NHS, NICE also issues guidelines for the use of health technologies in the healthcare system.
- Failed Attempts: It is the assumption that a patient explores other weight loss options before settling for bariatric surgery. The stipulation here is that you have tried other options such as dieting and exercise. In addition, the GP will assess the success of your previous attempts. If they are below the expectation, there is the likelihood that you will check them again. If acceptable, you then get a pass to undergo the procedure.
- Body Mass Index: The BMI is the traditional concentration when accessing a patient’s eligibility to pass through the knife. The NICE cum NHS stipulation is a BMI of 35 and 40. Both ranges come in handy in different scenarios. In the event that a patient has obesity-related diseases (such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes), a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 will suffice. Aside from this, the average BMI is 40 and above.
- Willingness: The conformity to the stipulations during the procedure is another criterion to clinching a ticket to the NHS weight loss surgery. A patient must show the zeal to pass through the knife. In addition, the stability and general health standing are part of the stipulations. Patients get anesthetics before the start of the surgery. That is the reason why their overall health is in consideration.
- Readiness to Sustain Long-Term Plans: It is common for patients to wave off aftercare services after undergoing bariatric surgery. This buoys the motive behind the patient’s readiness to sustain the long-term plan. There should be an agreement to attend regular check-ups, receive treatment and medical guidelines from a specialist team, and show the zeal to make lifestyle changes after the procedure.
The Role of the GP
The General Practitioner (GP) is one of the figureheads in getting the nod to NHS weight loss surgery. The bulk literally stops at his table and a definite “No” from him might imply a stall in your weight loss surgery. There are certain ways a GP can be of help to your weight loss.
Setting Personal Goals
If you are not making improvements with your exercises and diets, the GP can help you set personal goals. These trigger faster outputs to your weight loss plan. This comes in handy before you make the decision to pass through the knife. Regular exercises and sticking to healthy diets are the first steps to weight loss. Who knows, you can be successful at them; thereby, shoving the idea of a weight loss surgery.
Assessing your Weight
The GP will want to make sure your current weight is healthy. By measuring your height and weight, he can make a mental note on your chances at an NHS weight loss surgery. It is also typical to measure the waist because the generality of the body can be healthy but extra fat in the stomach can trigger heart disease and stroke.
Recommendations
To facilitate your chances at a non-surgical weight loss, your GP can refer you to weight loss groups and exercise classes. At other times, he can recommend medicines. These medicines are for patients whose BMI hovers around 28 and 30 and for those that are at the risk of Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
If these steps do not work out, the next bet is recommending the patient for weight loss surgery on the NHS.
Medical Tourism: What does it hold for the NHS?
As the number of obese individuals continues to grow, there is the tendency that the NHS cannot accommodate them. This is because of the fact that the system has not been able to cater to many patients in the past. This downside necessitated the call for more bariatric surgeries in the UK. Surgeons argue that the UK should perform thousands of bariatric surgeries each year. This will help in meeting up with the rising demand for the procedure and solidify the country’s stead in offering excellent bariatric surgeries in Europe.
Because of the decline in weight loss surgeries, obese individuals prefer going outside the UK to undergo weight loss surgeries in other European countries. While this trend continues, it is important to look out at some of the factors that influence patients’ choice of bariatric surgery in the EU.
The Procedure is Cheap
The cost of getting the procedure is cheaper outside the UK. While some of the patients prefer France (because of the number of bariatric surgeries they perform), others chose other locations within Europe. We recommend Weight Loss Riga. Our clinic has the best surgical equipment and experienced surgeons who are masters in their fields.
Efficient Follow-Up
The relevance of aftercare services as a follow-up to bariatric surgeries cannot be underestimated. The UK has the best hands and offers this service too. However, in the light of the decline in bariatric procedures, and the uncertain future of the healthcare after Brexit, the best option is embarking on medical tourism. Regardless of this fact, patients that underwent weight loss surgery outside the UK might not get follow-up services when they return to the UK.
To this end, the search also focuses on EU countries that have efficient follow-up services. Riga, the capital city of Latvia makes the list, and Weight Loss Riga is a champion in the field of aftercare services. Patients are sure of getting a five (5)-year follow-up service for the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures.
The EU is the Home of Bariatric Surgeries
Obesity is a staggering problem in the world. More individuals are prone to gaining extra fat around the stomach. If left for long, obesity-related diseases also come in. The best way to fight this is embarking on medical tourism to locations that have experienced surgeons and laid-out surgical facilities.
Obtaining an NHS weight loss surgery is quite daunting. Hence, patients that cannot put up with the long waits (and possible rejections at the end) take to clinics in other European countries for the procedure. Weight Loss Riga, located in Riga, the capital city of Latvia is a popular location for bariatric patients. With impressive facilities, efficient and experienced surgical team, and positive feedback from patients, there leaves no doubt that the clinic is a leader in weight loss surgeries in Europe. With the best team of surgeons and excellent bariatric equipment, there is no denying the fact that the EU is the home of bariatric surgeries.
