Apr 13
2021
Choosing Bariatric Beds: What You Need To Know
Bariatrics is the field of medicine that looks after obese and overweight patients. Government statistics obtained from the Health Survey for England 2019 show that over three quarters of people aged over 16 in England were either obese or overweight.
The widely accepted definition for being ‘overweight’ is having a Body Mass Index (a calculation using weight and height) of over 25 and for being ‘obese’ is over 30. Patients with a BMI of more than 40 are considered morbidly obese.
Bariatric beds – the basics
As the rates of obesity within populations rise, the demand for bariatric services is rapidly increasing and medical facilities need the appropriate equipment to care for them safely. Overweight and obese patients need to be treated to help them lose weight but may also need treatment for the many health issues associated with obesity. Patients also need equipment to live safely and comfortably in their own homes. The safety, comfort and dignity of the patient are priorities when choosing equipment to meet their needs.
The process of choosing a bariatric bed can be confusing as there are many features to consider. Here’s a summary of the main things that you need to know before making your decision.