Obese children as young as 11 to get a gastric implant on the NHS

Obese children as young as 11 whose size is endangering their health are to be given gastric balloons on the NHS in a drastic attempt to make them lose weight.

The device, which has the same effect as a gastric band by reducing the amount of food that can be held in the stomach, is to be used as a ‘last resort’ in a ground-breaking trial.

Up to 15 severely obese children and teenagers with weight-related diabetes or complications such as constructive sleep apnoea – where their neck fat stops them breathing as they sleep – will be offered the gastric balloon.   Read Here