Information for Patients
As part of NHS quality standards we are offering a referral to the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme for eligible patients.
You may receive a text regarding a recent health review that has identified that you may benefit from additional support with weight management.
If you wish to participate please respond to the text with a YES or NO if you wish to decline.
Who we can refer:
You are eligible for the programme if:
- you are age 18 or over
- you have a BMI of 30 or more. The BMI threshold is 27.5 for people from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, who are at an increased risk of some conditions at a lower BMI, such as type 2 diabetes
- you have a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or 2), high blood pressure, or both
You will need regular access to the internet, using a smartphone or computer, to complete the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you can access online support from https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/
What is the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme?
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is a free, 12 week online programme that provides access to weight management plans.
Upon your GP referring you, you will receive a text message within 2 working days from NHS WMP inviting you to the programme.
The programme is an NHS-supported lifestyle and behaviour-change service designed to help people:
- improve eating habits
- increase physical activity
- lose weight gradually and safely
- reduce risks associated with obesity and diabetes
The Programme is accessed online, so it can be completed anywhere, in your own time, and may include online coaching, educational modules, goal-setting tools, progress tracking and peer or coach support
Important: This is NOT a referral for weight loss injections
This Referral is for a structured NHS weight management programme only.
It is:
- not a referral for weight loss injections
- not a prescription request for medications such as:
- not a referral to specialist bariatric or Tier 3 obesity services
Access to weight loss injections on the NHS is subject to separate national eligibility criteria and specialist commissioning arrangements, which many patients will not meet.
Participation in a digital weight management programme does not guarantee access to weight loss medication in the future.
Why has this been offered?
Weight management support can help reduce the risk of:
- type 2 diabetes complications
- heart disease
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- sleep apnoea
- joint problems
Even modest weight loss can produce meaningful health benefits.
Do I have to take part?
No. Participation is voluntary.
If you choose not to take part, your routine medical care will continue as normal.
To read more about the programme please follow this link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management/
What happens next?
If you accept:
- If you wish to participate please respond to the text with a YES or NO if you wish to decline.
- If you have accepted we will refer you to the NHS-approved provider.
- The provider will contact you directly.
*If you accidently delete the text please email oakfield.practice@nhs.net