Overweight people can now get support from their local pharmacy as part of an NHS plan to tackle rising obesity levels and type 2 diabetes. Community pharmacy teams can now refer adults living with obesity, and other conditions, to the 12-week online programme.
People will be able to start the programme within ten days of visiting their local pharmacy, with support for some including one-to-one coaching from a weight loss expert. Adults living with obesity plus hypertension or diabetes will qualify for the service, accessible via a smartphone app on or online. People from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic backgrounds can join the programme at a lower BMI of 27.5, due to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Trained staff in pharmacies will work with people who want to lose weight and signpost them to a range of resources and available support including the NHS weight management programme.