The paper, led by researchers from the University of East Anglia and the University of Bristol, explores how obesity is currently managed in primary care in England. It outlines the latest clinical guidelines, treatment options, and referral pathways available to GPs and other frontline healthcare professionals.
Obesity affects over a quarter of adults in the UK and is linked to serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. The cost to the NHS is already billions of pounds each year and is expected to rise sharply by 2050.
Despite the scale of the problem, the review observed that obesity is not always prioritised in primary care. Clinicians face time pressures, lack specialist training, and must navigate complex referral systems. Weight stigma – including within healthcare settings – also discourages patients from seeking help.
New medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including brands names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, offer promising treatment options. However, many primary care professionals feel unprepared to use them effectively. The authors call for clearer referral pathways, better education for clinicians, and a stronger focus on personalised care.
The review also includes reflections from people living with obesity, highlighting the emotional and social impact of the condition and the importance of compassionate, stigma-free support.
Dr Karen Coulman and Dr Ruth Mears, co-authors of the study from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol, said: "Primary care is uniquely placed to support people with obesity, but we need to make it easier for clinicians to do this well. That means better training, simpler systems, and tackling the stigma that still surrounds weight."
“We hope these findings will inform future policy and help unlock the full potential of primary care in addressing one of the UK’s most pressing public health challenges.”
Paper: A Review of the Management of Obesity in Primary Care. H.M. Paretti, S.E. Erskine, K.D. Coulman, R.Mears, K. Clare, K. Williamson, R. Watkins, C.A. Hughes. Published in Clinical Obesity.