More than half of Britons would rather shift excess weight through drastic surgery than diet or exercise, a new poll has suggested. Women see weight-loss operations as the key to quick results while some men regard it as the “lazy option”, it found.
The survey was carried out among 1,305 members of the public on behalf of the Good Surgeon Guide website. When asked how they would like to lose excess weight, liposuction was the most popular with women (34 per cent), followed by gastric bypass (26 per cent) and cutting calories (14 per cent).
Eight per cent would opt for a tummy tuck while just two per cent said they would exercise more and six per cent would combine diet and exercise. Overall, 26 per cent of women said they never exercise and would rather endure the discomfort of surgery than visit a gym once a week.
Weight-loss surgery has serious risks
“Being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and we know that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes,” said Natasha Marsland, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK.
“It is important that people manage their weight in order to cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, stroke and blindness. However, it is alarming that this survey has found that more than half of Britons would prefer to lose weight through surgery rather than a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
“Diabetes UK recently revealed that gastric surgery can lead to psychological harm such as low self-esteem and relationship problems so it is not always the ‘easiest’ option. We would always advocate losing weight through diet and physical activity first and foremost.
“Weight-loss surgery does have serious associated risks and should only be considered if sustained attempts to lose through diet and lifestyle changes have been unsuccessful and if the person is obese.
“The best way to manage weight is by eating a healthy, balanced diet and doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week.”