If you're concerned about someone with a weight or eating problem the following information on support available may help.
In the programme, young women were offered gastric banding. Gastric banding is a surgical procedure that involves fitting a band around the upper part of the stomach. It is usually only recommended as a last resort for people who are morbidly obese (those with a BMI - Body Mass Index of over 40), or those with a BMI of between 30-40 who also have a condition that poses a serious health risk, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
If you are very obese, gastric banding can be used as a way of helping you to lose weight by controlling the amount of food that you eat. However, having a gastric band fitted is not suitable for everyone. To find out if you may fit the criteria to have this procedure on the NHS go to NHS Choices website.
BMI is used by health professionals as a way of finding out if your weight is putting your health at risk. It is based on your height and weight, visit netdoctor.co.uk to calculate your BMI.
Here are some organisations that can help you, whatever you're eating or weight problem.
Weight Concern
Dedicated to fighting the UK's obesity epidemic by providing independent, reliable information on the health of overweight and obese people, campaigning for better prevention and treatment of obesity, conducting research and testing treatment programmes for children and adults. Go to their website for information and advice about obesity and weight loss.
An organisation dedicated to reducing childhood and family overweight and obesity levels. MEND Programmes are now available in more than 300 locations across the UK, including sites in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They usually take place after school, in schools and leisure centres. Go to the website to find your nearest programme and more about the work of MEND.
Weight Wise!
Information on eating well and tools to help you lose weight and take control of your diet, including a downloadable food and activities diary
The National Centre for Eating Disorders
Provides private counselling for compulsive dieters and anyone with an eating disorder, including obesity, anorexia, bulimia and binge eating
B-EAT
Advice and support for anyone concerned about any eating disorder including anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Call their helpline for adults and parents on 08456 341414 (local rate call, Monday - Friday 10.30am - 8.30pm, Saturday 1pm - 4.30pm, Bank Holidays 11.30am - 2.30pm) or email help@b-eat.co.uk
Anyone under the age of 18 can all B-EATs Youthline 08456 347650 (local rate call, Monday - Friday 4.30 - 8:30pm, Saturday 1pm - 4.30pm, Bank Holidays 11.30am - 2.30pm) or email fyp@b-eat.co.uk, or Text to 07786 20 18 20 (advisers will get back to you within 24 hours, longer at weekends).
Diabetes UK
Support and information for people with diabetes as well as friends, family and carers. Their information will help you learn more about the condition and how to manage it. The Careline is staffed by trained counsellors who can provide a listening ear and the time to talk things through. Call 0845 120 2960 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or email careline@diabetes.org.uk
Channel 4 has a number of 4Health pages, filled with information about health, body image and weight problems. Please take a look at the following:
- First Steps to Getting Fit
- How Can We Learn to Love our Bodies?
- A Weighty Issue
- Fat Blokes Can Lose Weight Too
- Breaking The Obesity Cycle
Channel 4 Television takes no responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.
