While increased levels of obesity are characteristic of contemporary lifestyles throughout the developed world, the problem in the UK has grown at an alarming rate.
In England alone, 26% of adults are already obese and, according to The National Obesity Observatory, by 2050 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children will be affected.
Health problems associated with being overweight or obese now cost the NHS more than £5billion every year so reducing obesity and improving diet is now a public health policy.
To assist the NHS and other healthcare providers to deliver treatment to obese patients, Bristol Maid has recently released a specialist range of bariatric equipment. The range includes folding wheelchairs, commodes, patient seats and walking frames all designed to support 325kg and cover obese patients' mobility, hygiene and seating requirements.