The number of people asking for expensive weight loss surgery has tripled in four years, new NHS Oxfordshire figures show.

In the last year 92 people have pitched to health chiefs for the surgery which can cost up to £14,000 a time.

In 2007, that figure was just 36.

NHS Oxfordshire, the county’s primary care trust, said although request had increased, the number of people given the treatment had stayed roughly the same.