New digital weight management service for Birmingham

Two digital health companies have been appointed to run a new weight management programme for people in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country, combining online support with clinical assessment and, where appropriate, weight loss medicines.

Healum and DDM Health will deliver the programme, known as BRIDGE, for NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country, the two integrated care boards that plan health services in the area.

Who it is for

The programme will focus on three groups: children and young adults living with severe obesity, people with serious mental illness, and people who need to lose weight before orthopaedic surgery such as a hip or knee replacement.

It will offer advice, a clinical assessment and, where it is suitable, access to weight management medicines. The service is being designed with local communities through Community Connexions, and the University of Birmingham will carry out an independent evaluation.

Do not contact your GP yet

The programme will be rolled out in stages over three years. The NHS has asked people not to contact their GP practice about it at this stage: "Patients should not come forward or approach their GP practice about this program at this stage." Those who are eligible will be contacted.

How it is funded

The programme is managed by the region's Health Innovation network. It is funded through the Innovate UK National Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme, with money from an independent grant from Eli Lilly and Company Limited and from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

What the NHS says

Dr Jonathan Hazlehurst said: "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."

Why it matters

Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, and rates in Birmingham are higher than the average for England. New weight loss medicines have raised hopes, but demand far outstrips what the NHS can currently provide.