Nice Proposes Annual Weight Monitoring for Millions with Long-Term Health Conditions

Draft guidance aims to prevent obesity-related complications through early intervention, but concerns about NHS resource constraints persist.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommends annual BMI and waist-to-height ratio checks for 13-15 million people with long-term health conditions in England and Wales.
The proposal targets conditions like diabetes, heart failure, schizophrenia, and rheumatoid arthritis to prevent complications such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Healthcare professionals are advised to approach weight discussions sensitively and non-judgmentally, encouraging early intervention and access to weight management services.
Concerns have been raised about the feasibility of implementation due to NHS resource constraints, with calls for proper funding and expanded access to weight management services.
The draft guidance is open for public consultation until April 15, 2025, with final recommendations expected in August 2025.