Brussels, 25 September 2008 – Eucomed, the European Medical Technology Industry Association, welcomes the discussion within the European Parliament on the white paper “A Strategy for Europe on nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues”.
Alarming reports on the risks and costs of obesity, and the ensuing health consequences, the number of obese people in Europe is still on the rise. Eucomed believes that proper nutrition and sufficient exercise can be a major help in the fight against obesity. In some people however, only a surgical procedure can yield positive short- and long-term results.
“Still today, the idea of undergoing surgery to counter obesity is surrounded by scepticism and controversy. Nonetheless, bariatric surgery can be a cost-effective treatment which not only improves the quality of life of patients, but also allows them to more quickly return to an active lifestyle,” says John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Eucomed.
A procedure such as gastric banding or gastric bypass not only provides an excellent treatment for the weight problem[1] and aesthetic burden of obesity, but can also prevent the onset of secondary disorders related to obesity such as type II diabetes, coronary diseases, orthopaedic or mental disorders. Moreover, compared to morbidly obese patients who do not undergo surgery, bariatric surgery patients need fewer post-operative hospitalizations significantly less doctor's visits in the five year follow-up period, resulting in more productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Eucomed is the Voice of the medical technology industry in Europe. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 4500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry invests some EUR 3.8 billion in research and development and employs near to 435,000 highly skilled workers. The mission of Eucomed is to improve patient and clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology.
Mark Grossien
Director Communications and External Affairs
mark.grossien(at)eucomed(dot)be
+32 (0)2.775.92.24
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[1] Christou N.V., Sampalis J.S., Liberman M. et al. Surgery Decreases Long-term Mortality, Morbidity, and Health Care Use in Morbidly Obese Patients. Annals of Surgery vol. 240 n°3. September 2004.
