F.D.A. Gets Lenient on Eligibility for Use of Band Device

It is not necessary for people to be really obese to be eligible for weight loss surgery.

People with a BMI of 30 with an associated health condition are now eligible for the lap-band stomach restricting device.

The Food and Drug Administration has revised the standard and has decided to allow Allergan's Lap-Band stomach-restricting device on people who may not exactly fit the criteria of �obese' individuals.

The new rule will make more than 26 million eligible for the weight-loss surgery.

The FDA has introduced this change so that people with health complications related to over-weight , for instance hypertension or diabetes, can find a way to lose weight with the help of the lap-band device.

Others who are overweight but do not have any associated health issues may not still qualify for weight loss surgery.



Source: Medindia