The purpose of the NHS is to diagnose and treat conditions that have an effect on life and functionality, and it is indisputable that obesity falls in to this category. Nevertheless, stomach surgery is not a cosmetic measure, and only those who are morbidly obese should qualify.Not only are the medical complicationa more severe (hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, depression, etc) for the morbidly obese, but their inability to work creates economic repercussions. However, there should be stringent stipulations to the surgery, such as compelling the patient to undertake exercise, once able, and to alter their diet. Matthew Kendell, Dover

How on earth can the NHS pay for fat surgery. It is being privatised under our very noses. Anybody who thinks moeney is gioing to be spent like that in the future is living in cloud cuckoo land. Margaret Rowe, Lewes, East Sussex

We're happy to treat anorexics and bulimics on the NHS but then raise questions about treating the obese. What does that say about our society? E. Williams, London

Although I live in the US and we do not have a National Health Care System (I wish we did), I can say that if the NHS chooses not to pay for stomach surgeries, then I think they should not pay for any surgery brought about by poor habits. This includes heart surgery from someone who did not watch what they ate and it brought on clogged arteries, liver transplants for people who could not controll their vice, and lung treatments for people who smoked knowing full well what would happen in the course of time. Why single out one surgery and not others? Robin Castellanos, San Antonio, Texas

Operations at taxpayers expense for fat people to lose weight is no different than operations to keep smokers and drinkers alive. However, smokers and drinkers have been robbed by the tax man for years with duty on alchohol and cigarettes and it is right the NHS should pay for their habit related illness, whereas the greedy eater has not paid an extra penny in tax. Fortunately most of us moderate our food intake and enjoy the occassional junk meal. However we will all be persecuted by a "fat tax", which would be unfair. So my personal view is fat people should not get NHS funded operations. David Thijm, Stourbridge

Apart from those unfortunate people with that neurological condition whereby they feel constantly hungry, fat surgery should not be offered on the NHS. Why should taxpayers be made to foot the bill for other people's gluttony? Indeed, I would go one step further and suggest that healthcare should be rationed to those who have knowingly inflicted illness on themselves. Paul Pickering, Camberley

The net effect is a reduction in food consumption, and later obesity-associated diseases, and moreover an increase in ability to work. Hence the economy and society as a whole must benefit from among other things, reduced inflation, a long-term improvement in NHS services, and increased GDP. Roll on the stomach staples. Richard Sarsfield, London

There are only two reasons why somebody is fat; either they eat too much and exercise too little or they have a medical condition which results in obesity. Treatment on the NHS should be made available only to those people who have been diagnosed with a medical condition where there is a good reason to alter their body size. Everyone else should be informed of the relationship between intake of calories and the use of those calories by the body. It really is as simple as that. Tom Edwards, Bromley, London

No. I do not for a second understimate how difficult it is to lose weight (or stop smoking), but it is possible. The NHS budget is not endless, and should not be offered for lifestyle choices, and yes I would include most plastic surgery - other than reconstructive - as well. I see only a small step from this to "designer babies", if that becomes technically possible. The argument is similar: "I want it, it's available and it's my right." David Harris, London

It's impossible not to lose weight if you have a modicum of self-control. Maybe surgery on the public purse should only be available to people on "graduation" from a strict six month course of industrial-strength laxatives? You know, to find out who really wants it. Jonathan Jones, London

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