Tens of thousands of NHS patients living with obesity could soon benefit from cutting-edge, holistic care, thanks to a new £85 million health innovation programme backed by the UK Government and global pharmaceutical company Lilly.
The initiative aims to make weight management support more accessible, offering new care routes through digital platforms, community-based services, and pharmacies. It is designed to ease pressure on the NHS and help more people living with obesity lead healthier lives, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change.
The UK Government will contribute £50 million, while Lilly will provide £35 million in grant funding. NHS organisations across the UK are invited to submit proposals to pilot innovative models of care outside of existing specialist services. At least £10 million is earmarked for projects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Eligible patients in participating areas could begin accessing services as early as summer 2026. These services may include:
- Personalised weight management support
- Wraparound care tailored to individual needs
- Access to obesity treatments (where clinically appropriate)
- Digital tools to support lifestyle changes
The programme builds on recent investment through Innovate UK, which funded 23 projects under the Weight Management Pathway Design Accelerator, exploring community-based, joined-up care models.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting commented:
“Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet, we now have the science, technology and knowledge to help tackle the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity.
“As we shift our focus from treatment to prevention with our 10 Year Health Plan we are also determined to bring revolutionary modern care to everyone that needs it, not just those who can afford to pay.
“This collaboration will help patients living with obesity in a matter of months – through testing better access to weight loss services and treatments.
“In the long-term it will inform how we can better tackle one of the biggest modern day health challenges and, through our Plan for Change, create an NHS that is fit for the future.”
With obesity costing the NHS an estimated £11 billion annually, this programme represents a major opportunity to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and support people to participate more fully in work and everyday life.
All services will adhere to national NHS guidelines, with local clinicians determining patient eligibility to ensure care is safe, equitable, and tailored to local needs.
Image credit: iStock
