A new NHS weight-loss service has been announced for residents of Birmingham, Solihull, and the Black Country, offering access to weight management medicines alongside support to adopt healthier habits.
On 24 September, NHS Birmingham and Solihull revealed that two digital health providers had been appointed to deliver this service, targeting individuals living with obesity to improve their overall health. The three-year programme will leverage digital technology to ease access to support, including personalised advice for healthy lifestyle changes, clinical assessments, and, where suitable, weight management medications.
Dr Jonathan Hazlehurst, Consultant Endocrinologist at University Hospitals Birmingham and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, stated: “We want to make it easier for people to get the right support with their weight and health, in a way that works for them. By bringing together digital services, clinical care, and community support, we hope to reach more people and provide support that is easier to access and better connected.”
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The programme will specifically focus on groups who typically face more significant barriers to obtaining support. These include those with existing medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, people from lower-income communities, and individuals with limited digital access or understanding.
Known as the BRIDGE programme, the service will be introduced in phases. Further details about eligibility and how to access the service will be communicated as the rollout continues. The NHS has requested that patients do not contact their GP practices regarding the programme at this stage.
The University of Birmingham will conduct an independent evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the new approach and its impact on users of the service.
Following a procurement process, Healum and DDM Health have been appointed to support the delivery of the BRIDGE programme. This initiative is led by the Birmingham and Solihull and Black Country Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), with management provided by Health Innovation West Midlands.
Funding for the programme includes a combination of grants from Eli Lilly and Company Limited and contributions from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The rollout is part of Innovate UK’s National Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP).
Community Connexions will play a supporting role by enabling individuals to contribute feedback as the service develops.
Healum and DDM Health will collaborate with NHS organisations, academic institutions, and community partners throughout the service’s development and implementation.
Meanwhile, the NHS emphasises four key steps people can take to start losing weight: making small, sustainable dietary changes; increasing physical activity; accessing relevant support services when available; and adopting healthier daily habits.
Further information on these categories and practical advice is available through official NHS sources as the programme progresses.