On Medical opens new North East facility to tackle region's obesity 'crisis'

On Medical, a Newcastle-based firm, are to open a new facility to help tackle the growing obesity ‘crisis’ in the North East.

The facility is called Conquer, and aims to help the NHS cut down how much it is currently spending on the obesity rise, said to be around £6bn every year. The North East is said to suffer from the worst rates in the country.

A recent report from the University of Glasgow has reportedly shown that obesity and obesity-related conditions can be ‘dramatically reduced’ through weight-management and lifestyle programmes.

Ian Scanlan, Conquer’s commercial director, said: “We’re delighted to announce that we are opening Conquer, a facility dedicated to tackling obesity and improving the health and well-being of those with weight related health problems.

“Obesity and obesity-related conditions are a serious issue across the UK, but particularly here in the North East. Per every thousand people in the region, we are seeing the NHS provide twice as many weight-related operations here than in London.”

Conquer is set to launch on March 1 2018, and will specialise in personal training and physiotherapy services with a clinical focus, tackling obesity and obesity-related conditions. Psychological assessment and support, dietary and nutritional guidance will also be incorporated.

Scanlan added: “We will cater for both NHS and private patients, with the aim of saving the NHS funds on surgical intervention, while bringing about real change to the health and well-being of people in the region.”