Do you need to lose weight? There are a number of online resources and local clinics that you can access without having to see your doctor for a referral.
Not sure if you need to lose weight then try out this weight calculating tool.
Online help
Advice for adults:
For general information follow this link: www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
This free online or app based programme lasts for 12 weeks and is designed for those living with obesity who also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. You will need to be referred to the programme by a GP or healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist. For more information about the programme, follow the link to learn more: www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management
Advice for children:
NHS Choices excellent guide on what to do if my child is overweight.
Face to face support
Support for adults:
LCH Weight Management Leeds Specialist Tier 3 Weight Management Service offer a 12 month programme led by a multi-disciplinary team of experienced healthcare professionals.
There are also private services (that you would need to pay for) such as Weight Watchers and Slimming World who both provide popular classes locally.
Support for children:
There is a dedicated service for children called Children’s Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) service. The newly formed Children’s Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) service is located in Leeds and covers the whole of the West Yorkshire region. The service aims to support children, young people and their families who are struggling to achieve a healthy weight.
For more details about who can be referred into this service please email leedsth-tr.paediatricweightmanagement@nhs.net
Weight loss injections:
You may have heard in the news that GPs can now prescribe weight loss injections, such as Mounjaro, on the NHS. While this is correct, eligibility is very limited due to strict NHS guidelines.
To help patients avoid unnecessary appointments and disappointment, please read the information below before requesting an appointment to discuss Mounjaro.
Eligibility Criteria for NHS Prescribing of Mounjaro
To qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- BMI over 40
– You can check your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator, if you know your height and weight.
– Your height and weight will also be checked at your appointment, so please provide accurate information. - At least four of the following five health conditions must be diagnosed and recorded in your medical history:
• Hypertension (high blood pressure requiring medication)
• Obstructive sleep apnoea, confirmed by a sleep clinic
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease (including heart disease, stroke or vascular disease)
• Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol)
What is happening in Leeds?
As per guidance from the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (WY ICB), these medications can only be prescribed through specialist Tier 3 weight management services. This means you must be referred to a specialist service and meet the strict eligibility criteria to be considered for treatment.
WY ICB has confirmed that these medications are not routinely available in primary care and should only be accessed as part of a comprehensive, specialist-led programme. GPs are not permitted to prescribe these injections outside of this pathway.
There is no need to contact your GP practice about Mounjaro. If you are eligible, the healthcare team will get in touch with you directly. Though as the treatment is being phased in this may take a little time.
For more information, visit the WY ICB website: www.wypartnership.co.uk/our-priorities/medicines-and-prescribing
For more information, click here to view this helpful short video