20th February 2024

Lifestyle advice

The subject of weight may be sensitive for some patients and should be approached with sensitivity. Clinicians should work with the patient to assess their readiness to change and provide advice where appropriate. Clinicians can carry out brief interventions to assess their willingness/motivation to lose weight, along with counselling on the harm associated with obesity. 

The treatment method should be multi-modal, with patients receiving advice regarding dietary intake and increasing physical activity. Patients should be advised to maintain a caloric deficit while engaging with moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per session, five days a week. Behavioural interventions can be carried out to help patients monitor their progress, address potential issues around relapses, and set realistic goals for their target. 

Other centres, such as lifestyle weight management services, can be considered for patients in the overweight category with an at-risk ethnicity or whose weight circumference suggests they are at risk of obesity-related complications. Specialist obesity services can be considered if the patient requires further interventions.