As we begin the new year, many Americans are asking themselves ‘how am I going to lose this weight in 2012?' However, despite this New Year's resolution, North America still remains one of the most obese countries in the world.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES), about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese. Additionally, a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) released in August of 2010 confirms that obesity is a growing epidemic; to date, no state has met the nation's Healthy People 2010 goal to lower obesity prevalence to 15%. The number of states with an obesity prevalence of 30% or more has increased to 12 states in 2010. In 2009, nine states had obesity rates of 30% or more. In 2000, no state had an obesity prevalence of 30% or more (2011 statistics to be released soon). So what does this mean for the healthcare and long-term care industry?

Bariatric equipment is, increasingly, a necessary feature in all care facilities: hospitals, group homes, rehabilitation centers and the like. With the massive increase in obese and morbidly obese patients, bariatric care and treatment facilities are a growing industry. Subsequently, there is an increased need for bariatric equipment.  

Moving bariatric patients safely, comfortably and with dignity can be a challenging task. Thus, caregivers are looking to healthcare manufacturers to develop safe, sturdy and state-of-the-art bariatric equipment. Bariatric beds, wheelchairs and mobile lifters are staples in the facility product line. However, a new bariatric ambulation and gait training product, Thera Extra, has recently been introduced by Ergolet, the international manufacturer of patient mobility products.

The Thera Extra walking table is designed to support patients who weigh up to 525 pounds in gait training or rehabilitation situations. The table can be utilized in post-operative situations to encourage early patient mobility. The Thera Extra features electric drive and a widened base for extra space and stability.

In addition to the Thera Extra, Ergolet offers a range of bariatric products: 1,000-pound overhead lifting solutions, 550-pound Hera Maxi hygiene chair, 700- and 1,000-pound mobile floor lifts and various 600- and 1,000-pound slings.

How do you outfit your facility with bariatric equipment?
Bariatric equipment is manufactured by numerous healthcare companies and can usually be sourced from the same place as standard patient lift solutions. However, bariatric products are often significantly larger. This means that they are sturdier, slightly harder to wheel around, and larger in the frame than normal lifts. Thus, it is important that when you are outfitting a medical facility with bariatric equipment you check the dimensions of doorways and hallways to ensure that the bariatric products can fit comfortably. It is highly recommended that you seek a safe patient handling consultant to evaluate your facility prior to purchasing bariatric equipment.

Bariatric products, such as the Thera Extra Walking Table mentioned above, provide obese patients a basic human need – mobility.  Ultimately, the bariatric market is a growing one, and bariatric equipment is becoming a necessary feature in all care facilities. Is your facility equipped to provide a safe, mobile environment for obese patients?

Gary Nowitz is the vice president of Ergolet North America.