If your doctor has told you to lose weight, start by asking three things. Ask what prompted the advice, what was measured and what you can be referred to. A GP can advise you on losing weight safely and can refer you for treatment. [1]
There are four routes. They are your GP's advice, an NHS weight management programme, an NHS specialist service and a private clinician-led programme.
This guide covers each route, the numbers worth asking for and what you can change yourself. The NHS routes described are those in England.
What should you do first when your doctor tells you to lose weight?
Ask what prompted the advice and write the answer down. Then ask what was measured and what your surgery can refer you to.
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) writes guidance for clinicians in England. [2] It tells them to focus the conversation on improvements in health and wellbeing rather than simply talking about weight. [2]
It also tells them to ask your permission before discussing weight or taking measurements. [2]
How do patients feel about a short conversation about weight?
Most patients in one trial in England found it appropriate and helpful. The trial tested a 30-second conversation about weight at the end of GP appointments. [3]
It enrolled 1,882 adults living with obesity between June 2013 and December 2014. [3] Afterwards, 81% of patients thought the conversation was appropriate and helpful. [3]
One group was offered a referral to a weight management group of 12 weekly sessions. [3] The other group was told that their health would benefit from weight loss. [3]
At 12 months the referral group had lost 2.43 kg on average and the advice group 1.04 kg. [3] [4] Those figures count everyone who was randomised, whether or not they attended.
Among men, the figures were 2.39 kg with the referral offer and 0.68 kg with advice. [4] Average trial results are not a prediction of individual results.
Seven in 10 men accepted the offer and three in 10 attended. [4] The exact figures were 69.3% and 30.4%, both lower than for women. [4] The men and women who attended went to a similar number of sessions. [4]
Why did your doctor raise your weight?
Weight and waist size affect your risk of other long-term conditions. NICE tells clinicians to give adults that information. [2]
The NHS says living with overweight and obesity increases the risk of: [1]
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- some cancers
- osteoarthritis
- fatty liver disease
What does BMI tell your doctor?
BMI (body mass index) is your weight in relation to your height. For most adults the NHS classes a BMI of 25 to 29.9 as overweight and 30 or more as obese. [1]
The bands are lower for people from some backgrounds. The NHS lists South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African and African-Caribbean backgrounds. [1] For these groups a BMI of 23 to 27.4 is overweight and 27.5 or higher is obese. [1]
BMI has limits. It cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat. [1] NICE tells clinicians to interpret it with caution. [2]
Why does your waist matter?
Your waist-to-height ratio helps show whether you carry too much fat around your middle. [1] For adults with a BMI below 35, NICE tells clinicians to use waist-to-height ratio as well as BMI. [2]
Try to keep your waist to less than half your height. [1] [2] NICE classes a ratio of 0.5 to 0.59 as increased health risk. [2] A ratio of 0.6 or more is further increased risk. [2]
To measure your waist, find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips. Wrap a tape measure midway between them and breathe out naturally before you read it. [2] Then divide your waist by your height, using the same units for both. [2]
What should you ask at your next appointment?
Ask for the measurements, the reason and the options. Five questions cover it.
- What did you measure, and what were the results? With your permission, NICE tells clinicians to measure and record height, weight and waist. [2]
- Is my weight affecting another condition? NICE tells clinicians to identify other conditions that may affect your weight or be affected by it. [2] They should start managing those as soon as they are identified. [2]
- What goal would matter for my health? NICE tells clinicians to discuss and agree realistic, personalised health goals with you. [2]
- What can you refer me to, and does it cost anything? NICE tells clinicians to discuss the possibility of referral and to emphasise your choice in it. [2] They should also tell you about any known costs. [2]
- Can I be referred again later? NICE tells clinicians to give people the opportunity for a re-referral when they need one. [2]
You can also ask for a programme that suits you. NICE tells clinicians to look for options tailored to specific groups, such as men only. [2]
What can the NHS offer you?
The NHS can offer advice, a weight management programme or a specialist service. A GP can refer you for treatment, including weight management programmes, medicines and surgery. [1] The routes below are those in England.
What is a weight management programme?
A weight management programme can help support you to lose weight safely and keep the weight off. [1] The NHS says a programme might include: [1]
- 1 to 1 coaching
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- group support
- online exercise classes
- healthy eating advice and recipes
Can you refer yourself?
Yes, for some programmes. [1] You might be able to refer yourself to local weight loss services without seeing a GP. [1] To find out what exists in your area: [1]
- check your GP surgery website or ask the reception staff
- check your integrated care board (ICB) website
- search online for NHS weight management services near you
What is the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme?
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is a free, 12-week online programme. [5] Each plan provides recipes and nutrition advice, wellbeing support and tips to boost your activity levels. [5]
You are eligible if: [5]
- you are aged 18 or over.
- you have a BMI of 30 or more, or 27.5 for people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.
- you have a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or 2), high blood pressure, or both.
Someone at your GP surgery can refer you. [5] You need regular access to the internet on a smartphone or computer. [5]
If you do not meet the criteria, NHS England points to online support from NHS Better Health. [5] Your GP surgery may also be able to offer an alternative service. [5]
What if you need more support?
If you need a lot of extra support, you may be referred to a specialist weight management service. [1] NICE tells clinicians to consider this, for example when less intensive management has been unsuccessful. [2]
The NHS lists medicines and surgery among the treatments a GP can refer you for. [1] Medicines depend on your BMI and on any other health conditions affected by your weight. [1]
When does a private clinician-led programme fit?
A private clinician-led programme fits when you choose to pay for care outside the NHS. It should work alongside your GP, not in place of your GP.
Where a programme prescribes medicines online, the pharmacy regulator expects that link. The regulator is the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which keeps the pharmacy register for Great Britain. [6] Its guidance expects you to give your GP's details and your consent to contact them. [7]
It also expects the prescriber to share relevant information about the prescription with the other health professionals involved in your care. [7]
What should you check before using one?
Check three things the regulators publish.
- How the service verifies what you tell it. The GPhC says medicines used for weight management are not suitable to be prescribed by a questionnaire alone. [7] The prescriber independently verifies your weight, height or BMI. [7] That can be by video consultation, in person, from your clinical records or through another healthcare provider such as your GP. [7]
- Whether you can talk to the prescriber. The GPhC says you do not have to see someone face to face. [8] The consultation must still be appropriate to your needs. [8] The GPhC says that could include two-way communication between you and the prescriber. [8]
- Who is registered. The GPhC keeps a public register you can search. [6] The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. [9] You can search its website for a service. [9]
Our guide to the GP and online routes sets the two side by side. Our checklist for weight loss programmes lists what to look for.
What are your routes at a glance?
There are four routes. The table shows who each is for and how you get it.
| Route | Who it is for | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| GP advice and referral | Adults with a BMI in the overweight or obese category who want help to lose weight [1] | Ask your GP surgery for an appointment |
| NHS weight management programme | People who want support to lose weight safely and keep the weight off [1] | Your GP refers you, or you refer yourself to some programmes [1] |
| NHS specialist weight management service | People who need a lot of extra support to lose weight [1] | You are referred [1] |
| Private clinician-led programme | People who choose to pay for care outside the NHS. The regulator expects the prescriber to verify what you tell the service [7] | You apply to the service directly. Check its registration first [6] [9] |
Are you due an NHS Health Check?
You may be due one if you are aged 40 to 74 and have none of the pre-existing conditions the NHS lists. [10] The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels. [10] It runs in England.
If you are eligible, your GP or local council should invite you every 5 years. [10] If you have not been invited and think you are eligible, contact your GP practice. [10]
The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes and usually includes: [10]
- measuring your height and weight.
- measuring your waist.
- a blood pressure test.
- a cholesterol test, and possibly a blood sugar level test.
You are given a risk score for heart and circulation problems over the next 10 years. [10] The NHS says many warning signs, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, do not have symptoms. [10]
Which numbers are worth knowing before you set a goal?
Know your BMI, your waist-to-height ratio and your blood results before you pick a target weight. A target weight is not a measure of your blood sugar or your cholesterol.
NICE tells clinicians to agree realistic, personalised health goals with you. [2] Its examples include clothes fitting better and finding it easier to breathe when climbing stairs. [2]
Our guide to the ten blood numbers to know before a weight goal gives the UK guide levels.
What can you change yourself?
You can change what you eat and drink and how much you move. To lose weight, the NHS says to eat and drink fewer calories than your body uses and do more physical activity. [1]
The NHS list for losing weight is: [1]
- eat a healthy balanced diet, with fewer high fat or sugary foods and plenty of fruit and vegetables
- reduce the number of calories you eat
- try to lose weight steadily, at 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 lb) a week
- cut down on alcohol, which is high in calories
- get active for 45 to 60 minutes a day, in shorter sessions if you prefer
- take part in a free fitness programme such as Couch to 5K
- make a plan with realistic goals and weigh yourself regularly
- be kind to yourself, because changing habits is not easy and takes time
How much should you cut back and how much should you move?
NHS Better Health suggests eating and drinking around 600 calories a day less than you do now. [11] It calls that a safe and sustainable way to lose weight. [11]
The UK Chief Medical Officers set a weekly minimum for activity. Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity across each week, such as brisk walking or cycling. [12] Muscle strengthening activities should be done on at least 2 days a week. [12]
The daily figure in the NHS list and the weekly minimum come from different guidance. NICE tells clinicians to encourage activity even when it does not lead to weight loss, because of its other health benefits. [2]
Does a small loss count?
Yes. The NHS says losing a small amount of weight, 5 to 10% of your body weight, can improve your health. [1] The free NHS Weight Loss Plan app gives a 12-week plan. [13]
Talk to a GP or healthcare professional before you change your lifestyle if you have a medical condition. [13] The same applies if you follow a special diet for your health, or have or have had an eating disorder. [13]
When should you see a GP about your weight?
See a GP if your BMI is in the overweight or obese category and any of these apply: [1]
- you want help to lose weight.
- your waist size is more than half your height.
- you have pre-diabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.
- you have a family history of obesity.
- you have, or think you may have, an eating disorder such as binge eating.
The NHS also says to speak to a GP if you have a condition that makes it harder to stay a healthy weight. [1] A GP can help you get support for other conditions that might be affecting your weight. [1]
Our guides to prediabetes in men and high cholesterol warning signs cover two of those conditions.
How does HeMed fit in?
HeMed is a clinician-led weight loss and metabolic health service for men in the UK, built around an at-home blood test. HeMed starts with a blood test. A clinician reviews your blood test first.
You start with a needle-free test of 10 markers across your heart, liver, blood sugar and thyroid. A retest every 6 months shows what’s actually changing.
Whether HeMed is suitable is a clinical decision made on your assessment and blood test. Adults with a BMI of 30 or over, or 27 or over alongside a weight-related health condition, may be considered.
We share a summary of your check-ins, progress and the advice you receive with your GP. This is a condition of the programme.
Clinical, consultation and prescribing services are provided by eMed, a CQC-registered provider, and the pharmacy partner is GPhC-registered. The registration numbers are on How HeMed is regulated.
HeMed does not diagnose or treat the conditions described above.
Frequently asked questions
What BMI counts as overweight?
For most adults the NHS classes a BMI of 25 to 29.9 as overweight and 30 or more as obese. NICE gives clinicians the same bands, and lower ones for people from some backgrounds.
NICE names GP registration, routine consultations for long-term conditions and routine health checks as suitable opportunities to measure. It tells clinicians to ask your permission first.
Can I refer myself to an NHS weight management programme?
Yes, for some programmes. Check your GP surgery website or ask the reception staff.
You can also check your integrated care board website. Or search online for NHS weight management services near you.
Who can join the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme?
Adults aged 18 or over with a BMI of 30 or more and a diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure or both. The BMI threshold is 27.5 for people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.
The programme is free, lasts 12 weeks and runs online. Someone at your GP surgery can refer you.
Does the NHS Health Check include blood tests?
It usually includes a cholesterol test, and possibly a blood sugar level test. It usually also includes your height and weight, your waist and a blood pressure test.
The check is free and runs in England. It is for people aged 40 to 74 who have none of the pre-existing conditions the NHS lists.
How much weight loss makes a difference to your health?
The NHS says losing a small amount of weight can improve your health. It gives 5 to 10% of your body weight as that amount.
The NHS also says to try to lose weight steadily, at 0.5 to 1 kg a week.
Does a private programme replace my GP?
No. The pharmacy regulator expects an online prescriber to have your GP's details and your consent to contact them.
It also expects the prescriber to share relevant information about the prescription with the other health professionals involved in your care.
What if I have also been told I have prediabetes or high cholesterol?
Tell your GP. Both are on the NHS list of reasons to see a GP about your weight.
NICE tells clinicians to start managing other conditions as soon as they are identified. They should not wait until you have lost weight.
HeMed provides clinician-led weight management. Treatment is prescription-only and is prescribed only where a clinician decides it is suitable. This page is general health information, not medical advice. If you are worried about symptoms, speak to your GP, or use NHS 111.
Next step: see what the HeMed blood test measures.
Sources (13)
- NHS, "Overweight and obesity in adults" (page last reviewed 29 April 2026): "A GP can give you advice about losing weight safely and refer you for treatment"; "a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight" and "a BMI of 30 or more is obese", with lower bands for the listed backgrounds; "The BMI calculator cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat"; "You should try to keep your waist size to less than half your height"; the list of linked conditions; "Just losing a small amount of weight (5 to 10% of your body weight) can improve your health"; the "See a GP if" list; the "How to lose weight" list; "You can self-refer for some weight management programmes"; "If you need a lot of extra support to lose weight, you may be referred to a specialist weight management service". nhs.uk/conditions/overweight-and-obesity. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, guideline NG246, "Overweight and obesity management" (published 14 January 2025, last updated 8 January 2026), recommendations 1.1.3 and 1.9.2 (ask permission), 1.1.5 (non-stigmatising language; "focusing on improvements in health and wellbeing rather than simply talking about weight"), 1.9.3 (measure and record height, weight and waist), 1.9.7 and 1.9.12 (interpret BMI with caution), 1.9.10 and 1.9.11 (the BMI classes, and the lower thresholds for people from some backgrounds), 1.9.8, 1.9.14 and 1.9.15 (waist-to-height ratio and its classes), box 1 (how to measure your waist), 1.9.16 and 1.9.17 (identify and manage other conditions), 1.11.1 (linked long-term conditions), 1.11.2, 1.11.4, 1.11.8, 1.11.9 and 1.11.10 (advice, goals, suitable programmes, costs and choice in referral), 1.11.13 (specialist referral), 1.11.15 (re-referral) and 1.15.2 (physical activity). nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- Aveyard P and others. "Screening and brief intervention for obesity in primary care: a parallel, two-arm, randomised trial." The Lancet 2016;388(10059):2492 to 2500 (abstract read): patients of 137 primary care physicians in England, enrolled between June 2013 and December 2014; 1,882 enrolled, 940 offered referral to a weight management group of 12 weekly sessions and 942 advised that their health would benefit from weight loss, each in a 30-second conversation; mean weight change at 12 months 2.43 kg and 1.04 kg in the intention-to-treat population; 1,530 patients (81%) thought the intervention appropriate and helpful. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27789061. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- Tudor K and others. "Gender differences in response to an opportunistic brief intervention for obesity in primary care: Data from the BWeL trial." Clinical Obesity 2021;11(1):e12418 (a pre-planned exploratory analysis of the trial above): in the referral arm 69.3% of men and 82.4% of women accepted referral, and 30.4% of men and 47.6% of women attended; "Men and women attended the same number of sessions (9.7 vs 9.1 sessions, P = .16)". pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33026192. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- NHS England, "About the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme" (no page date shown): "a free, 12 week online programme"; eligible if "you are age 18 or over", "you have a BMI of 30 or more. The BMI threshold is 27.5 for people from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds" and "you have a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or 2), high blood pressure, or both"; "speak with someone from your GP Surgery who can refer you to the programme"; "You will need regular access to the internet, using a smartphone or computer"; "If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you can access online support from NHS Better Health, or speak with your GP Surgery who may be able to offer an alternative service." england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- General Pharmaceutical Council, "Registers" (page last updated 3 November 2026): "You can check their details and registration status by using the search facility below." pharmacyregulation.org/registers. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- General Pharmaceutical Council, "Guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet", February 2025, section 4.2 items j and k (pp. 23 to 25): "Some medicines are not suitable to be prescribed by a questionnaire model alone", a list that includes "medicines used for weight management"; "The person has provided the contact details of their regular prescriber, such as their GP, and their consent to contact them about the prescription. The prescriber actively shares all relevant information about the prescription with other health professionals involved in the care of the person"; the prescriber "independently verifies the person's weight, height and/or body mass index" through "a video consultation, in person, from the person's clinical records or by contacting another healthcare provider such as the person's GP". pharmacyregulation.org (PDF). Accessed 11 November 2026.
- General Pharmaceutical Council, "Weight loss medications FAQ" for patients and the public (page last updated 9 November 2026), the answer on face-to-face consultations: "No, but it is essential that the type of consultation is appropriate to meet the needs of the person"; "not relying solely on an online questionnaire but instead using a method of two-way communication between the person and the prescriber". pharmacyregulation.org. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- Care Quality Commission, home page: "We're CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England"; "Use our inspection reports to find and compare services". cqc.org.uk. Accessed 27 October 2026.
- NHS, "NHS Health Check" (page last reviewed 14 August 2023): "a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels"; for people "aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following pre-existing conditions"; "you should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every 5 years"; "The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes and usually includes: measuring your height and weight; measuring your waist; a blood pressure test; a cholesterol test, and possibly a blood sugar level test"; "many of the warning signs for these conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, do not have symptoms". nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-health-check. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- NHS Better Health, "Calories and weight loss" (no page date shown): "Aim to reduce your intake by around 600 calories a day. This is a safe and sustainable way to lose weight." nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines (published 7 September 2019, last updated 10 July 2026), adults aged 19 to 64: "Each week, adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate intensity activity (such as brisk walking or cycling)"; "Muscle strengthening activities should be done on at least 2 days a week, but any strengthening activity is better than none." gov.uk. Accessed 11 November 2026.
- NHS Better Health, "How to lose weight" (no page date shown): "This free NHS app gives you a 12-week plan to help you build healthier habits for sustainable weight loss"; if you have "a medical condition", "a special diet for your health" or "an eating disorder (or have had one in the past)", "talk to a GP or a healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle". nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight. Accessed 11 November 2026.
Numbered markers in the page text link to these entries. Statistics describe populations, not any one person’s results.
Published 11 November 2026.