Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Effective monitoring and support during a weight management program involve a personalised, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach.
- Regularly review the patient’s health status and progress towards agreed, achievable weight loss goals set for different stages, including short-term and long-term targets (for example, first few weeks, end of program, and 1 year) NICE NG246.
- Discuss personal circumstances, cultural and social contexts, psychological factors, and any barriers affecting attendance or participation, revisiting these discussions throughout the intervention to tailor support appropriately NICE CKS.
- Encourage self-monitoring by helping patients track their weight and progress, fostering independence and self-management skills NICE NG246.
- Tailor dietary advice to individual needs, preferences, and comorbidities, ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet that maintains an energy deficit, and provide ongoing support from trained healthcare professionals NICE CKS.
- Incorporate sustainable physical activity plans that consider medical conditions, ideally led by qualified instructors, and promote long-term behavioural changes to reduce sedentary behaviour NICE NG246.
- When weight management medicines are prescribed, monitor their effects regularly, reinforce behavioural advice, and provide information on additional support and counselling NICE CKS.
- Discuss and facilitate support from the patient’s social network, such as family and friends, with the patient’s permission, to enhance motivation and adherence NICE CKS.
- Address any difficulties in maintaining behavioural changes by discussing strategies and sources of ongoing support after the intervention ends, including online resources, support groups, or local services NICE NG246.
- Consider specialist referral for comprehensive assessment or bariatric surgery when appropriate, and respect patient choices if they decline referral, offering alternative support and opportunities for re-referral NICE CKS.