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<p>Local authorities and the National Health Service provide a range of Weight Management
Services (WMS) to support their communities to achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Generally, WMS delivered in the community are behavioural services provided by local
authorities or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, rather than in primary
care.</p><p>Local commissioners and WMS providers are expected to take National Institute
for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines into account, alongside the individual
needs, preferences, and values of their patients or service users. The NICE’s guidelines
provide recommendations on best practice in terms of both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness
of interventions and services. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, although
health and care commissioners are expected to take them fully into account.</p><p>Although
primary care services are not a main provider of WMS, general practice (GP) is an
important source of referrals to WMS. The Department funds the GP Weight Management
Enhanced Service, which incentivises GPs to develop and implement a proactive approach
to identifying and engaging with patients living with obesity, including the referral
to WMS where appropriate. The service delivery specification for this enhanced service
includes minimum standards such as undertaking training to have sensitive conversations
about weight, and the review and restoration of the practice obesity register.</p>
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