NHS to set up 15 special clinics in England for severely obese children

16/11/2021

Specialist NHS clinics for severely obese children and young people are to be set up in England as part of an early intervention scheme to help tackle an issue costing about £6bn a year.

A pilot of 15 clinics across the country will provide more than 1,000 children a year, aged between two and 18, specialist treatment to support weight loss. Tailored care packages developed with their family will include diet plans, mental health treatment and coaching, with early action aimed at preventing long-term health problems such as type 2 diabetes, health attacks, strokes and cancer.

The rollout of the pilot delivers on the NHS  Long Term Plan ambition to treat children for severe complications related to their obesity, avoiding the need for more invasive treatment.

The new services “are a landmark moment” in efforts to help children and young people “lead longer, healthier and happier lives”, said Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of NHS England.

Click HERE for the full article, courtesy of The Guardian.