Medical tourism ‘special offers’ spark warning from experts

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. People with obesity - who are increasingly seeking care overseas due to long waiting lists for care at home - “must not be subjected to targeted social media advertising relating to bariatric surgery abroad”, they added. European Association for the Study of Obesity president Professor Volkan Yumuk said: “There have been too many cases of poorly performed, and in some cases unsafe, obesity surgery carried out abroad under what we would call medical tourism. “In producing these guidelines, the obesity community has come together to make sure obesity surgery in Europe is safe and meets appropriate standards, wherever it takes place.” Lead author of the paper Dr Laurence Dobbie said “people living with obesity often wait several years, or lack access entirely, to obesity surgery in their home countries, prompting many to seek treatment abroad.” “Unfortunately, some of these providers fail to meet basic standards of care, resulting in serious injuries and, tragically, even death. “These new guidelines – developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and patients from across Europe – set out clear standards for obesity surgery in the medical tourism sector, with the aim of improving patient safety and preventing further harm.” A recent Obesity Health Alliance report highlighted that some patients are being asked to wait for up to five years for specialist weight management support in England.