An online platform backed by funding of £ 12million has been launched to support the government’s drive to manage obesity levels.

The NHS digital weight management program, launched today, will provide it online for free to people with weight-related illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension.

Support will be provided through referrals from general practitioners and primary care teams and will focus on helping people improve their health and well-being.

The government is also providing £ 30million funding or advice across England to expand weight management services, with the option of face-to-face, remote or digital assistance.

In most areas, services will consist of 12-week sessions, with dietary advice, physical activity advice and support to help people develop and maintain healthier habits.

Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said, “We want to make the healthier option an easy option, but we always know that losing weight can be difficult for people. Making sure the right support is available means we can help individuals make the most of the positive impact that achieving a healthy weight can have both physically and mentally.

“It’s really important that we help people access services that are right for them and tailored to their needs. By expanding virtual and face-to-face weight management support across the country, we are bringing improved health and wellness closer to home. “

The government’s Office for Health Promotion, which is slated to be fully launched later this year, will lead nationwide efforts to help people manage their health and well-being.

Additional new funding of £ 4.3million has also been allocated to 11 local authorities to support the expansion of children’s weight management services in 2021/22.

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS England’s national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: The NHS long-term plan has committed the NHS to focus more on preventing disease and reducing serious health problems that people with obesity may experience, including the higher risks of more serious consequences with Covid.

“The NHS ‘new digital weight management program will provide online access to weight management services for tens of thousands of people with obesity who also have diabetes or high blood pressure or both, with a strong emphasis on focus on reducing health inequalities, improving quality of life and longer term. health outcomes.