That was the message from the country’s largest health board after it launched a two-year weight-loss trial.

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) said more needs to be done to attack the route cause of the problem, which is fast becoming an epidemic.

She told the Reporter: “Education alone is not effective in promoting healthy weight.  “It is one part of a comprehensive strategy to address obesity and the issues above also need to be addressed.

“Society’s obesogenic environment must change if we are truly going to address the public health challenge of obesity.  “This involves advertising, pricing and availability of foods, active travel, healthy environments to promote physical activity, promotion of breast-feeding and policies in schools.” Last week the Reporter revealed GGC will now refer obese people to diet and health company, Weight Watchers in an attempt to tackle their health problem.

That will see the health board pay membership costs for those who fit the criteria as part of a two-year pilot scheme. The pilot is aimed at those at higher risk of developing complications as a result of their obesity and is in addition to existing hospital based weight management service.

Many questioned whether the move was indication of the obesity problem in the Greater Glasgow area, however, such schemes are already in place within NHS Grampian and Tayside. The spokeswoman added: “Obesity is a problem in all socio-economic groups, but there is evidence of an increasing gap in obesity levels with more deprived groups having higher levels. Long term conditions for which obesity is a risk factor such as diabetes contribute to Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s poor health record.” The exact value of the contract is said to be commercially sensitive but GGC said it was less than £150,000 a year.

The unusual step to contract the obesity issue to a commercial company was taken due to the “effectiveness” of similar studies elsewhere.

“Its flexibility in terms of local access and paying only for patients who attend the programme,” The spokeswoman added: “It is a pilot for two years to see if this model encourages more people to take part in weight management services.  “We have no plans to involve commercial companies in other topics as there is not a similar evidence base in other areas of health improvement.” The scheme will see patients with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 sent to the weight-loss experts as part of the health board’s ‘community based weight management services’ — they will be referred for three months with performance reviews held to monitor their progress.

GGC stressed the running of the pilot would not divert funds from existing hospital based weight management services, calling it a separate community service for those who require less intensive support.

Weight Watchers were chosen after a full tendering process – and one local leader for the organisation believes they were the right company for the job.

The spokeswoman said: “If this service encourages more people to lose weight, it is a positive. The service is for overweight or obese people with evidence this is affecting their health.

“It is a form of prevention as by healthier eating, increasing activity and losing weight, people will reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

“We will continue to work with our population to prevent obesity through education, advice and support about healthy diets and work with local authorities on promoting physical activity.” What do you think of the scheme? Should this be welcomed or should the NHS focus efforts and money elsewhere? Would the pilot help you?

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