New services have now been launched across England that will support people to achieve a healthy weight and improve their wellbeing.
As part of the UK government’s obesity strategy ahead of the launch of the new Office for Health Promotion (OHP), the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme has been launched to help thousands of adults and children achieve a healthy weight and boost their wellbeing.
The programme is backed by £12m of government funding and will offer free online support via GP and primary care teams referrals for adults living with obesity, who also have a diagnosis of either diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “We want to make the healthier option the easy option, but we still know losing weight can be difficult for people. Making sure the right support is available means that we can help individuals make the most of the positive impact that reaching a healthier weight can have both physically and mentally. The benefit is theirs.
“It’s really important we help people access services that are convenient for them and tailored to their needs. By expanding virtual and face-to-face weight management support across the country, we’re bringing improved health and wellbeing closer to home.”
Obesity services
£30m of the new funding will be given to councils across England to roll out expanded management services for adults living with obesity, which can be delivered face to face, remotely, or digitally. People who would like to access the services can sign up for this help via their primary care services or in some areas refer themselves via their local authority.
Services will include 12-week sessions and will include dietary advice, physical activity guidance, and support to help people form healthier habits.
£4.3m of funding will go to 11 local authorities to expand child weight management services in 2021 to 2022, which will trial new ways to improve access to services for up to 6,000 children identified as living with excess weight or obesity.
Mental health and wellbeing
The OHP will be fully launched later this year and, as well as supporting weight management, will support mental health and promote physical activity.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “The NHS Long-Term plan committed the NHS to a stronger focus in preventing illness and reducing the serious health concerns that people living with obesity can experience, including the higher risks of more severe outcomes with COVID.
“The new NHS Digital Weight Management Programme will offer online access to weight management services for tens of thousands of people living with obesity who also have diabetes or hypertension or both, with a strong focus on reducing health inequalities, improving quality of life, and longer-term health outcomes.”
