WARNING: The Embarrassing Bodies website contains images of an explicit medical nature and nudity in a medical context.

Embarrassing Bodies Live from..., 8:00pm Tuesday 22nd May 2012 on Channel 4. Catch up for free on 4oD »

Embarrassing Fat Bodies Episode 2

Morbid Obesity

1.2 million people in the UK are so fat their lives are in danger, and two of those people are next in the clinic. Christine and Stewart are both morbidly obese, with a combined weight of 52 stone. Dr Christian refers Christine to a Bariatric (weight loss) surgeon, and she undergoes a gastric bypass. In this operation most of the stomach is sectioned off, and the small pouch that remains is connected to the small intestine in a way that bypasses most of the digestive system, meaning that less calories are absorbed when they eat. Stewart’s super morbidly obese status meant it was too dangerous for him to have a gastric bypass straight away. His GP had already referred him for a procedure called a gastric balloon, which fills a large portion of the stomach, reducing its capacity for food. This measure is hoped to assist Stewart’s weight loss, with further bariatric surgery as an option later. We’ll be following Stewart’s progress in a future episode of Embarrassing Bodies.

The EB team would like to thank:

108 Harley Street
Bupa Cromwell Hospital
Total Weight Solutions
Mrsuperobese.co.uk

Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of external websites

  1. Vaginal Prolapse Vaginal Prolapse
  2. Morbid Obesity Morbid Obesity
  3. Breast Reduction Breast Reduction
  4. BMI Test BMI Test
  5. Excessive Sweating & Skin Excessive Sweating & Skin
  6. Fat Family Fat Family
  7. Internal Fat Internal Fat
  8. Cholesterol Clinic Cholesterol Clinic

Comments and Questions

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

How do you get round the problem of funding for a gastric bypass I have had 2 bands one mechanically failed and the second one was removed as I had a Tortuous Oesophagus. My G.P. has applied for funding but keeps getting turned down stating I have already had surgery done. I found out that my BMI should have had a bypass not a band. Can you help I am an ex serviceman and in a wheelchair due to an accident in the Army I have tried SSAFA and War Pensions to no avail





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.


Please don't swear or be rude in your answers, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting answers. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.



Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.



Please don't swear or be rude in your questions, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting questions. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines


More Information

  1. Am I Normal Breasts

    In Videos - Dr Dawn Harper discusses breast development amongst teenage girls,…

  2. Breast Reduction

    In Conditions - Breast reduction is carried out for a number of reasons, but the mo…

  3. Doctor Responses: Excessive Sweating

    In Videos - Dr Christian answers your most frequently asked questions about exc…

  4. Excess Skin

    In Conditions - As weight is put on the skin stretches and grows to accommodate the…

  5. Excessive Internal Fat

    In Conditions - For most people, when they take on too much fat it becomes obvious…

  6. In Detail: Sagging Breasts

    In Videos - An in detail look at the operation to correct a pair of sagging bre…

  7. Morbid Obesity

    In Conditions - Morbid obesity occurs when a person's body mass index rises over 40…

  8. Obesity

    In Conditions - Obesity occurs when somebody is carrying too much body fat for the…

  9. Episode 7 - Back to the Clinic

    In Episodes - This week the doctors are inviting some of their most serious cases…

  10. Hyperhidrosis

    In Conditions - Excessive sweating in the face, hands, feet and armpits, or over th…

  11. Episode 2

    In Episodes - Conditions being seen by the doctors in Episode 2 included Psoriasi…

  12. Premenstrual Syndrome

    In Conditions - Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the catch-all term given to a range…

  13. Diabetes

    In Conditions - Diabetes affects over 2 million people in the UK alone and many mor…

  14. Sunburn

    In Conditions - Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light overheating and blister…

  15. Quick Health Advice: Excessive Sweating

    In Videos - Dr Pixie discusses the causes of excessive sweating and the treatme…


Be On Embarrassing Bodies

The clinic is opening again for a new series.
Apply for Embarrassing Bodies >