Big Increase In Portsmouth Weight Loss Surgery

14 April 2014, 09:10 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Capital investigation has found the number of people having weight loss surgery in Portsmouth has risen dramatically in the past five years.

145 people had operations including gastric sleeves, bands and bypasses last year, compared to just 14 in 2008.

In 2012, the number was 92.

Nick Carter, a bariatric surgeon at the Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital in Cosham, says he thinks the rise is because it's become more acceptable and safer:

"The operation is only part of what the patients need to do. They need to completely change their diet habits, they need to exercise more regularly. It's definitely not an easy option."

He also told us more people are being referred by GPs but the criteria is strict for NHS treatment.