THE NHS spent more than £15million last year on slimming surgery for seriously overweight patients.
Several thousand people across England needed treatments such as gastric bypasses, bands and balloons.
Only 32 out of 42 health boards provided Freedom of Information figures — meaning the overall cost could be nearer £20million.
It follows a tripling of morbid obesity cases and a doubling of obesity cases since 1993.
William Yarwood, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said the public would be “gobsmacked” at the cost of procedures.
He added: “While the NHS has a never-ending waiting list of people desperate for essential care, they’re bailing out those with lifestyle treatments. NHS bosses need to trim the fat and focus on providing frontline services.”
Jane Deville-Almond, president of the British Obesity Society, said: “Many people in the UK have a BMI so great that losing weight by lifestyle changes becomes almost impossible.
“In these instances, bariatric surgery can be a life changer.
“Although the initial costs may seem expensive, the cost of long term care can be far greater.
“We hope that the new government will take obesity far more seriously and consideration will be given to spending more on prevention strategies and less on treatment.”
The Department of Health added: “This government will tackle the obesity crisis head on, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.
“We will shift our focus from treatment to prevention by introducing tight restrictions on advertising junk food, alongside banning children from being able to purchase sugary, high caffeine energy drinks.”
