Health chiefs have revealed that millions of people living in the UK will be invited for annual weigh-ins and body measurements at their GP practice to “help prevent problems developing”.
By measuring people’s weight, height and waist circumference, GPs will be able to notice those who are entering the overweight or obese category and in return can give out professional advice on how to shed the pounds.
In addition, they will be able to refer these ‘hidden’ overweight or obese people to a lifestyle intervention or specialist weight loss clinic.
Roughly 15 million people in England and Wales live with a long-term condition, and therefore are more at risk of being overweight or obese.
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has unveiled this new policy in its latest draft guidance on weight management.
People living with COPD, polycystic ovary syndrome, heart disease and type 2 diabetes will all be eligible for these annual weigh-ins and body measurements.
“Healthcare professionals should seek permission in a sensitive, non-judgemental way before discussing weight, because people may then be more receptive to offers of support that could have a positive impact on their health,” said the drafted NICE guidance.
In addition, the guidance has outlined that healthcare professionals must “respect the person’s choice if they do not wish to discuss their weight.”
The NHS website states: “Obesity is a serious health concern that increases the risk of many other health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke.
“Living with overweight and obesity can also affect your quality of life and contribute to mental health problems, such as depression, and can also affect self-esteem.”
Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at NICE, said: “These simple annual measurements create opportunities for early intervention and conversations about long-term health and wellbeing.
“By identifying trends before they become problems, clinical practitioners can help people prevent more serious health complications down the line.”
He added: “Annual monitoring of BMI and waist-to-height ratio is a powerful tool to help prevent problems developing such as the onset of diabetes, heart disease or other obesity-related conditions.
“Once implemented, these proposed quality standards could significantly improve health outcomes for people with long-term conditions by ensuring consistent, timely support for weight management across all healthcare settings.”
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The drafted NICE guidance states: “Stigma from health and care professionals can act as a barrier to accessing care for people living with overweight, obesity or central adiposity and it can lead to worse mental and physical health outcomes during treatment.
“People having discussions with health and care professionals about living with overweight, obesity or central adiposity should be communicated with in a person-centred manner using non-judgemental and non-stigmatising language.”
Currently out for public consultation until Tuesday, April 15, the final NICE guidance on annual weigh-ins and body measurements will be published in August.
