Tummy tuck - Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, or 'abdominoplasty', is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen). It can involve removing fat and excess loose skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.

The aim is to remove excess tummy skin that can't be removed through exercise - for example, after losing a lot of weight or after pregnancy. But it’s not a quick fix for losing weight.

An abdominoplasty is regarded cosmetic surgery, so not normally available on the NHS. If you are thinking of going ahead, you must make sure that you are aware of the costs and the fact that it is major surgery, with risks to consider.  You must take time to reflect on your decision.

Obesity

Obesity is a term which is used to describe a person who is very overweight with a high degree of body fat. There are a number of ways a person's weight may be assessed. The most widely used method is body mass index. Body mass index (BMI) is your weight (in kgs) divided by your height (in metres squared). You can use the NHS Choices BMI healthy weight calculator in order to work out your own BMI:

• if your BMI is between 25 and 29, you would be considered overweight
• if your BMI is between 30 and 40, you would be considered obese
• if your BMI is over 40, you would be considered very obese (known as "morbidly obese").

Obesity is an worsening health problem of the developed world.