Ten-fold rise in gastric bands and other weight-loss ops

“Very extreme obesity is associated with all sorts of other illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease,” he told Today.

“Evidence is emerging now that these sorts of operations can reduce those other illnesses.”

Peter Sedman, a bariatric surgeon and spokesman for the Royal College of Surgeons said: “We are beginning to catch up with a backlog that has been building for decades, and we are only now beginning to catch up with the US and other European countries in providing this care.

“The number of morbidly obese patients in the UK is increasing rapidly and we need to continue to put even more resources in to what is proven to be a successful and cost-effective method of treatment. The burden on the NHS in years to come in obesity-related illness will otherwise be overwhelming.”

Chrissie Palmer, at the British Obesity Surgery Patients Association, which helps provide information and support to patients considering or undergoing weight-loss surgery, said the rise in operations was welcome.

However, she said: “There are still places in the UK where weight-loss surgery is not taking place on the NHS, despite the advice from NICE.”

She added that there was still some stigma wrongly attached to it despite the enormous lifestyle changes required by patients both before and after.

“I don’t think people understand what a large commitment is involved – people have to change their behaviour for life, although once they start feeling the benefits, it becomes easier.”

Health minister Paul Burstow said people should be encouraged to eat more fruit and vegetables, reduce the amount of fatty foods they eat and be more active.

“Our ambition is to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce the need for this type of treatment.”

And a Department of Health spokesman added: “Independent guidance on obesity from NICE recommends that drugs and surgery should always be a last resort – a better diet and more exercise should be tried first.

“It is up to individual trusts to commission a range of services to meet their local community’s needs.”