Being overweight can cause a number of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Obesity can reduce life expectancy by 6-7 years.
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Quarter of UK adults are considered obese (BMI over 30)
- 42% of men and 32% of women considered overweight (BMI 25 - 30)
- Ideal BMI: 18.5 - 25
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UK health and fitness market currently valued at £4.6 billion
Weight management toolkit
The weight management toolkit includes everything you need to implement this service:
- Patient information
- Promotional posters and leaflets
- Audit report pads
- Downloadable weight management SOP
Full contents of the weight management toolkit
Why offer this service?
- Create an additional revenue stream - patients are used to paying around £5 per week to be part of a slimming club.
- Improve sales of OTC weight loss products.
- Increase adherence to prescription weight loss medication.
- Build customer loyalty.
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Cross-sell the weight management programme with other services - blood pressure testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, smoking cessation and medicines use reviews.
How do I start?
1. Order a weight management toolkit - it includes everything you need to get started.
2. Check the PSNC Services Database - your PCT may commission the service.
3. Talk to your local GPs:
Tell them you are going to start a weight management service.
Agree thresholds and a pathway for patient referral.
Remember, they can refer patients to your service as well.
4. Promote the service using the posters and leaflets included in the toolkit
Remember the local marketing fund can help with advertising costs.
5. Encourage your counter staff to talk to customers and recommend your new service.
6. Record patient outcomes using the audit report pad.
Use this evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service to your PCT and contribute towards your CPD.
