NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme aims to support you to develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight with lots of structured support. The 12-week programme offers free, online access to weight management services for those who have a BMI greater than 30 and who also have diabetes or high blood pressure, or both. The BMI threshold is lower at 27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, as we know people from these ethnic backgrounds are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI. The programme is only available to people with a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access.

Speak to your GP Practice today to find out how the programme could benefit you.

To calculate an up to date BMI, please use this link.

Why is this programme important?

Obesity is a serious health concern which increases the risk of many other health conditions. For example, Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint problems, mental health problems, and some cancers. There is also evidence to suggest that people living with obesity are at higher risk of more severe outcomes associated with COVID-19.

The programme offers three different levels of support, including human coaching for groups who may be less likely to complete behavioural and lifestyle change programmes, with the aim of reducing health inequalities. This includes those of younger (working) age, people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, men, and people living in more deprived communities.

The online programme provides an alternative way of accessing weight management support. In the context of COVID-19, it means people can complete it whilst social distancing is in place.

How do I access the service?

Please contact us and let us know that you are interested in losing weight. The easiest way to do this is to submit an online consultation form by using the button below. Choose the option 'I have a admin query' followed by 'I need help with something else'. On this page you can let us know that you are interested in the 'NHS Digital Weight Management Programme' along with your current BMI and ethnicity. 

Contact Us  

After we receive your message we will be in touch shortly to dicuss this with you. 

What happens next?

Step 1: After you have been referred to the programme by your general practice, you will be contacted via text message or email within 2 working days. This message, from ‘NHS WMP’, will contain a link to a website from which you can access the list of available programmes. If you are unable to receive text messages or access the internet, you will instead receive a phone call directly to your landline or mobile. You will also receive a phone call directly to your landline or mobile if you need alternative language options.

Step 2: From the website, you will be asked to confirm your date of birth and ethnicity to get started. You will also be asked for some information to help us find a list of programmes that are suitable for you.

Step 3: You can read about the different 12-week weight management programmes on offer to help you make positive changes to your health. You can choose the service provider who you think will work best for you.

Step 4: Once you have chosen your provider, your information will be passed on to them, and there’s nothing more you need to do until the provider contacts you, which should be within 10 days. You can then begin your 12-week weight management programme.