Implementation support toolkit
Awareness and access to general resources and training
The challenge
Management of overweight and obesity is complex and multifaceted, and a personalised approach to treatment is essential.
Measuring waist to height ratio (in people with a body mass index (BMI) less than 35 kg per m2) may be new for some healthcare professionals, and they must be trained to do this. Where people can and prefer to measure themselves, it is important they are shown how to do so correctly. Please note that seeking permission to perform any measurement is essential before commencing.
What support is available
The NICE guideline includes advice on how to measure, calculate and interpret BMI and waist to height ratio. The NHS webpage on obesity also includes an interactive guide for calculating BMI and video on measuring waist to height ratio.
NICE's practical guide to using medicines to manage overweight and obesity covers the pharmacological management of overweight and obesity in adults. It provides an outline of the steps needed to safely assess, prescribe, monitor and stop medicines that can be prescribed in primary care, such as tirzepatide. It includes a section on managing adverse effects and an initial assessment checklist (Word, 34 KB) that summarises the actions and assessments that may be needed before prescribing tirzepatide.
In addition, the World Obesity's Strategic Centre for Obesity Professional Education (SCOPE) has produced a set of training and events aimed at empowering healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for people with obesity.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) obesity specialist group represents dietitians working in adult and childhood obesity prevention and management, recognising obesity as being a specialist area of dietetic practice. For more information, contact [email protected]
When implementing the recommendations on diet and physical activity, the following resources may be of assistance:
NICE's information for the public also contains links to other resources that may be helpful to share with patients.
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