GPs should put all overweight patients on a diet even if they came in for something else, researchers say
Scientists say GPs should not fear offending obese patients and should send them to weight loss classes to save NHS money
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GPs should tell all overweight patients to go on a diet and attend slimming classes, scientists at Oxford University have said – even if they are visiting the doctor about something completely unrelated.
Researchers found patients whose GP offered them the opportunity to attend weight loss classes shed more fat than another group whose family doctor simply advised that they slim down.
They said it proves GPs should discuss weight loss with their patients even if they do not think it is worthwhile or fear causing offence.
Patients seem to agree with the verdict: 81 per cent of participants in the survey were glad their GP had raised the issue with them, while only four of the 1,882 people involved said they thought it was inappropriate.
The study was led by Professor Paul Aveyard, an expert in behavioural medicine at the University of Oxford and a practising GP. He said: “Doctors can be concerned about offending their patients by discussing their weight, but evidence from this trial shows that they should be much less worried.”
“Our study found that a brief, 30-second conversation, followed by help booking the first appointment on to a community weight loss programme, leads to weight loss and is welcomed by patients."
“On average, people consult their doctor five times a year, meaning there is huge opportunity to deliver this low-cost intervention on a large scale."
The study tracked almost 1,900 overweight patients who went to see their GP about an issue unrelated to weight loss. At the end of the consultation, half of the participants were offered a 12-week weight loss programme for free on the NHS while the other half were simply told they would benefit from losing weight.
More than three quarters (77 per cent) of those offered the slimming support initially agreed to attend, while 40 per cent actually took part.
After one year, patients offered the weight loss class had lost more than five pounds in weight compared to a reduction of just two pounds among those who were simply advised to get in shape.
More than one in ten people who attended the slimming classes lost at least 10 per cent of their body weight – double the number in the group that weren’t offered the course.
The scientists said GPs being pro-active about discussing weight loss with patients could save the NHS money, as slimming classes cost significantly less than other treatments for obesity, even before factoring in the many other health-related costs that are linked to being overweight.
One in four British adults is currently obese, according the United Nations – the highest obesity rate in Western Europe. The proportion of seriously overweight people in the UK has more than trebled in the last 30 years, causing a public health crisis and placing the NHS under increasing strain.
It is forecast that, by 2050, 60 per cent of British men and 50 per cent of women will be clinically obese.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments