#obsmuk #twitter chat

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting up to one in five women of reproductive age [1]. PCOS is diagnosed according to The Rotterdam diagnostic criteria and is based on two of three features: infrequent periods or lack of ovulation, hyperandrogenism features such as excess facial hair or acne, and polycystic ovaries visible on a scan [2].  Obesity is unlikely to be a cause of PCOS as demonstrated by the prevalence of lean women with the condition.  However, having obesity does exacerbate the condition and increase the risk of other serious health problems [3].  Obesity is a common finding in PCOS with estimates of between 40% to 80% of women with PCOS having overweight or obesity [4]. PCOS is associated with several metabolic complications including pre-diabetes, Type II Diabetes and obesity [5].  Having PCOS also increases the risk of Heart Disease, Fatty Liver Disease and Uterine (womb) Cancer [6–8].  The etiology of the ...

BOMSS 2019 Update The British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS) held its 2019 10 th annual conference on 24 th and 25 th January. This event brought together dieticians, nurses, researchers, psychologists, physicians, GPs, surgeons and patients to discuss obesity and its most effective treatment i.e. bariatric surgery. There were excellent updates about the status of bariatric surgery in the UK, bariatric research and the health of our society-BOMSS. Some interesting debates and discussions were held including sessions about bariatric anaesthesia, choice of bariatric operations and importance of research for bariatric surgery. In addition, excellent research was presented as oral or poster presentations. To move some of the discussions further and disseminate some highlights from the conference, #obsmuk is holding a tweet chat on Wednesday 30 th January at 8pm GMT. We aim to discuss the following topics. 1.       BOMSS set...

As we near the end of November, Christmas festivities are in eyesight and preparations are well underway. We sincerely wish everyone a great time! But what does Christmas bring to us if we are affected by obesity, struggle with weight issues or had bariatric surgery? Before, during and after Christmas, there will be increased social activities such as meeting up with family friends and work colleagues for Christmas lunches, dinners and parties. There will be many opportunities to indulge in those delicious mince pies and Yule logs! Gifts frequently comprise of biscuits and chocolates. Over Christmas, as families gather together, there is often the temptation to buy in more food. Not surprisingly, many of us continue to eat our way through the additional foods throughout January!  With the colder dark nights, more time is spent indoors leading to more sedentary activities. With all of this in mind, is it any wonder that, on average, people gain 2-5lbs (1-2.5kg) over this hol...

Pre-bariatric surgery weight loss: Useful, Necessary, or a Waste of Time? Bariatric Surgery is the most effective method of achieving sustained weight loss over the long term in patients with obesity when compared to lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy. Despite the strong evidence, from clinical studies and randomised controlled trials, of the benefits of bariatric surgery on weight and metabolism, access to bariatric surgery remains limited in many health care systems including the UK. In the UK, patients seeking bariatric surgery are mandated to go through tier 3 weight management services (typically community based, non-surgical weight management services) before referrals are made to tier 4 (i.e. bariatric surgery). Tier 3 is supposed to consist of a multidisciplinary team including but not limited to bariatric physicians, weight management dietitians, psychologists, specialist nurses and physiotherapists. There are several objectives of tier 3 services an...