2008-05-15 10:03:59 -

www.frost.com - A large pool of patients in Europe who have tried different alternatives but have been unsuccessful in losing excess weight are adopting obesity surgery. Growing awareness and the identification of this condition as a disease and not just an outcome of lifestyle have created a relatively strong market for these procedures. Such trends have provided a fillip to

the uptake of related obesity surgery devices.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.medicaldevices.frost.com), European Markets for Obesity Surgery Devices, finds that the markets earned revenues of $119 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach $374 million in 2014.

"Rising health concerns have trained the spotlight on obesity surgery as perhaps one of the best options to deal with this disease," notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Radha Sawhny. "The European obesity surgery devices market is poised for strong growth over the next five years, as the uptake of these devices and products is expected to increase significantly."

In terms of products and technology, this market is quite well developed. There are two main types of surgeries - the adjustable gastric banding surgery and gastric bypass surgery. Another procedure that is increasingly undertaken is intragastric balloon, which is a short-term solution, but yields rapid results. All three types of procedures are effective in providing considerable weight loss, have minimal surgical risks and, in most cases, only temporary side effects.

A factor that is however restricting surgeries is the lack of reimbursement for these procedures. Very few countries in Europe reimburse obesity surgery within the public healthcare scheme and most patients that require surgery have to bear such expenses privately.

Awareness of these procedures and the technologies used in different surgeries is growing in Europe. There has been sufficient education to create awareness of not only the various health risks that the illness poses, but also the options available to overcome it.

"Cost reduction for current procedures would make them accessible to a wider market," advises Radha Sawhny.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the European markets for obesity surgery devices, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at pcairns_pr@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

European Markets for Obesity Surgery Devices is part of the Medical Devices Growth Partnership Services Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: cardiovascular, wound care, surgical, orthopaedic and others. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit www.frost.com.

European Markets for Obesity Surgery Devices

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Frost & Sullivan
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Patrick Cairns, +27 18 468 2315
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