Using a calorie counter app for weight management (symbolic image): Digital tools have been shown to effectively help patients with high BMI, hypertension or diabetes lose weight.

© DragonImages – stock.adobe.com

News • Study on NHS programme

Digital help for weight loss proven effective

The success of a national weight management programme has been highlighted in a new study. The 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme gives diet, exercise and lifestyle advice via a phone app or online, to patients referred by their GP with a high BMI plus hypertension, diabetes or both.

The study results have been published in the journal Obesity

The 32,000 people who finished the programme in the first year saw an average weight loss of 2.2 kilos (5lbs); with those who attended more (at least 60%) of the programme losing an average of 3.9 kilos (8.5lbs). 

portrait of Jonathan Valabhji
Professor Jonathan Valabhji

Image source: Imperial College London

Senior author of the study, Imperial College London’s Professor Jonathan Valabhji, also established the programme in his former role as NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity. He said: “The key is that it was made more accessible to patients in their daily lives. It’s rewarding and encouraging to see the difference it is making.” 


Source: Imperial College London  

07.05.2024

Related articles

Photo

News • Digital support

New app triples chance to quit smoking

Finnish researchers found that using a mobile application based on cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly boost success rates of people attempting to stop smoking.

Photo

News • Content quality on social media

Medical information on TikTok: Led astray by influencers?

TikTok has become a go-to platform for young people seeking answers – including health information. But how accurate are the medical ‘Toks’? A new study analyzed the quality of the content.

Photo

News • Medication-related procedure complications

Weight loss drugs may increase endoscopy risk

Popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy that are used to treat diabetes and obesity are associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia following endoscopy, a new study finds.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter