The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7487 p109
2 February 2008

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News summary

Extra funding for obesity services announced

Extra funding to support the commissioning of more weight management services will be provided over the next three years, a new Government strategy aimed at reversing the rise in obesity in England says.

The strategy — “Healthy weight, healthy lives” — points out that many primary care trusts are increasing their provision of services for people with weight problems.

“However, depending on their particular needs, many local areas will need to accelerate their provision to match the growing demand,” the document states.

The initial focus of the strategy is on children, and it includes plans to support PCTs in widening the numbers and types of staff and professions that can play a role in identifying and referring overweight and obese children into appropriate services.

The strategy also lays out plans to launch pilots throughout the NHS in the spring, in which staff will be offered personalised health advice and lifestyle management. Another approach will be directed at employers, with pilots to explore how companies can best promote health among their staff.

An evaluation of personal financial incentives to encourage healthy living is also proposed.