COVID-19 and obesity

We spoke to Consultant Bariatric Surgeons, Mr Alan Osborne and Mr James Hewes, Clinical Psychologist, Dr Vanessa Snowdon-Carr and Dietitian, Mr Dafydd Wilson-Evans about the link between obesity and coronavirus. This comes as a result of the Government's latest campaign, 'Better Health' which encourages people who are obese to lose weight and improve their health in order to fight coronavirus. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic comes at a time when patients across the world are more overweight than ever before and there is an increasing concern that overweight patients are at higher risk from COVID-19.  

It is difficult for people who live with obesity in normal times and now they are worried that they will be forgotten as we move through the next period of time, living with this virus across the UK and globally. These are important patients who we need to help and to consider all options; from medication to surgery to psychological and nutritional support, one option being weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass or sleeve surgery is now keyhole with a one night hospital stay and can offer safe and impressive results, helping patients to lose over one third of their weight and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. 

Surgery helps patients feel less hungry (reducing hunger hormone levels of Grehlin) and making them feel fuller faster. Patients who are a naturally heavier weight have a different response to food, they feel more hungry (more hunger hormone Ghrelin) and take longer to feel full (after the same meal). Weight loss treatments are available at Spire Bristol, these may be suitable for one quarter of the UK population (BMI over 35), helping to reduce their risk from COVID-19."

We are holding free online mini consultations for weight loss treatments. This includes a 20 minute mini consultation with either Mr Osborne, Mr Hewes, Dr Snowdon-Carr and Mr Wilson-Evans where you can ask questions about various weight loss treatments that may suitable for you.