Supported weight management programmes could be a “helpful part of a rehabilitation approach” for people living with long COVID and overweight, new research has indicated.

A recent study led by the University of Glasgow has found that people can ease symptoms of long COVID by joining a digitally focused, remotely delivered structured weight management intervention.

The programme includes total diet replacement for 12 weeks, then followed by weight loss maintenance support and the reintroduction of food.

Weight does not trigger the development of long COVID, but treatment for excess weight can also treat some symptoms of long COVID.

Senior author Dr David Blane said: “While it is difficult to assess the clinical significance of the health improvements in our study participants, there are promising signals that supported weight management could be a helpful part of a rehabilitation approach for some people living with long COVID.

“We are proud to have worked closely with members of the long COVID community, and their involvement throughout the research helped inform our understanding of long COVID and contributed to the development of a weight management program that could respond flexibly to the needs of people living with this debilitating, energy-limiting condition.”

Joint researcher Professor Emilie Combet said: “Long COVID is a complex condition, and ReDIRECT was a complex intervention, involving not only remotely-delivered weight management, but also dietitian and peer support.

“Further research is needed, as long COVID remains a significant public health concern affecting millions of individuals and families worldwide.”

Jane Ormerod, from Long COVID Scotland, explained: “Representatives from long COVID Scotland were involved from the outset in this study to ensure that the voices and experiences of people with long COVID contributed to the development of this research intervention.

“We welcome opportunities to be involved fully in future research to develop inclusive approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of people with long COVID.”

There are several weight loss programmes in the UK including Gro Health – an award-winning service available for free in some areas of the country that supports people to lose weight and improve their mental health.

Read the study in full in the journal Nature Medicine.

Get our free newsletters

Stay up to date with the latest news, research and breakthroughs.