UK NHS hospitals have resorted to asking zoos and vets to scan patients who are too obese for hospital scanners.
The bizarre requests were revealed as hospitals face pressure to adapt beds and wards for Britain's increasingly obese population.
CT scanners normally used for large animals are ideal for grossly overweight patients weighing 30 stone and more. The Royal Veterinary College in London confirmed it has received several requests. While its CT scanners - customised for horses - could accommodate obese patients, it would need a special licence to be able to perform scans on humans.
Riaz Dharamshi, a geriatric registrar at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, West London, said he was told to refer obese patients to London Zoo when he was training. Writing on his blog, he said 'Imagine the humiliation for the patient.' But he added: 'The problem of having patients too big to scan is not one we face all that often.'
The practice of referring patients to zoos is commonplace in America. London Zoo denied taking obese patients. It is not known whether any veterinary colleges are seeking licenses to perform CT scans, which assess body fat as well as check general health.
