Obesity presents a huge public health challenge in the developed world. Scotland has some of the highest levels of adult obesity in the world. Over 6,000 adults in Forth Valley are morbidly obese. In partnership with other west of Scotland NHS Boards Forth Valley NHS Board is endeavouring to tackle obesity in a wide range of ways. This includes making available bariatric surgery for some of the most morbidly obese. Currently Bariatric surgery in the West of Scotland is limited to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with a BMI over 40.

There is good evidence to suggest that a moderate weight loss of 5-10% of body weight will have major impact on the physical and metabolic complications of obesity. The evidence is summarised well by the National Obesity Forum. The Forum also provides a range of useful resources to support professionals and their patients.

Most patients should be able to achieve 5-10% weight loss with simple support from a concerned professional or by joining a local group such as Slimming World or Weight Watchers. In Forth Valley we are also actively rolling out the Counterweight programme to willing general practice settings.

• National Obesity Forum
• Slimming World
• Weight Watchers
• 23 and a half hours – the single best thing we can do for our health?
• Choose to Lose

NHS Forth Valley does not carry out bariatric surgery procedures locally and so cases are referred to other centres when surgery is indicated.