Demand for specialist weight management services has increased nationally during 2022/2023, and in mid and south Essex the demand for these services exceeded the number of NHS funded places available for residents. As a result, patients could be at risk of waiting several years to access the service. 

Updating the access criteria for this service was necessary to make sure that the service remains available to those with the greatest clinical need, and to prevent people from waiting too long and risking their health will deteriorate while they wait.  

There are a range of weight loss and weight management programmes available, and healthcare professionals will be encouraging all patients to explore these alternative services. 

The service is available to adults (aged 18 or over) who are registered with a GP practice in mid and south Essex, or who reside in mid and south Essex (if unregistered). Referrals will only be accepted from a GP.

The eligibility criteria is as follows: 

Residents aged 18+ with a BMI ≥40.0 AND meet at least one of the following criteria:  

• Have obstructive sleep apnoea, severe asthma, cor pulmonale, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or receive CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) 
• Have ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, or a *QRISK score >20% 
• Have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus 
• Have subfertility 
• Have oesophagitis, severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or Barrett’s oesophagus.  
• Confirmation that a Tier 2 weight management programme has been completed within 12 months of the date of referral, unless the patient’s GP has confirmed that Tier 2 is not suitable or appropriate for the individual. 

*QRISK is a clinical scoring tool used to assess risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

Exclusion criteria also apply:

• Aged 17 years or under 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Active eating disorders 
• Have undergone bariatric surgery in the past 12 months 
• Pre-diabetes more appropriate for the NHS diabetes prevention programme 
• Previously attended a Tier 3 weight management programme in the last 2 years from date of discharge 
• Referrals can be made once the following conditions are stable:
  • Alcohol or drug use 
  • Hypothyroidism 
  • Cushing’s syndrome 
  • Mental illness  

Tier 3 weight management services will be provided by Second Nature across mid and south Essex from 1^st April 2025.

Patients who meet the updated eligibility criteria will be able to access the service via a referral from their GP.

Information about alternative services available to support residents who do not match the eligibility criteria for Tier 3 weight managements services is available here.

There are a range of programmes available in mid and south Essex to help you achieve a healthy weight. Many of these you can refer yourself into.

There are also structured weight management programmes you can only access via a referral from your GP.

Click here for more information on available support and services.

In mid and south Essex, and in line with NICE guidance, Wegovy™ is only available through specialist Tier 3 weight management services.

It is not available via GP prescription or other weight management services. 

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