Five-year wait means patients face 'horror stories' of obesity treatments abroad

Despite 60% of adults now classed as overweight or obese, waiting lists “going back years and years” have built up due to the historic lack of funding. File picture: iStock

Obesity patients forced to wait up to five years for treatment are having to go to countries like Turkey for care despite 'horror stories' involving Irish patients.

Despite 60% of adults now classed as overweight or obese, waiting lists “going back years and years” have built up due to the historic lack of funding, according to the HSE national clinical lead for obesity, Professor Donal O'Shea.