Help shape the future of obesity care innovation

Innovating obesity interventions towards lasting health

Obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer and a major contributor to ill health. With obesity costing the UK health service more than £11 billion each year, action to tackle the condition is urgently needed. The government has committed to working with industry to trial innovative approaches to treating obesity as part of a rounded package of care.

We’re interested in hearing from you if you might have a role to play in innovating obesity pathways, including, but not limited to:

• Companies of any size, including SMEs and social enterprises, providing weight management services
• Digital providers with experience in prescribing or wider weight management services
• Human centred design experts or system integrators
• NHS funders (ICBs, Health Boards etc) interested in piloting community-based models of weight management care
• Public sector organisations providing weight management services
• Charities or voluntary groups with specific focus on obesity or obesity related health conditions.

Background

An introductory webinar was held on 13 February 2025 exploring the background to the need for innovation in the provision of weight management services within the NHS across the UK. You can watch recording, view the slides and the Q&A document here.

How to get involved

Complete our short questionnaire to register your interest and help shape the future of obesity care innovation.

On 13 March and 10 April, we’ll host ‘sandpit’ events in London to bring together experts across the sector, starting with a deep dive discussion into the challenges of obesity care and working towards practical solutions in collaboration with the health and care system.

Whether or not you plan to attend our engagement events, we need your input.

If you have any questions on this activity, please contact us here: healthylives@iuk.ukri.org.

Potential agreements with pharmaceutical companies are in progress.