Northern Ireland approves first regional obesity management service

Northern Ireland is set to introduce its first ever regional obesity management service, following an announcement by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.

The move comes after a public consultation by the Department of Health (DoH) on proposals to provide specialist weight management support through the health service. At present, people living in Northern Ireland do not have access to dedicated obesity services, including innovative new weight loss medications.

The newly approved service will launch in phases, with the first stage expected to begin in 2026. It will focus on delivering a community-based model offering lifestyle support alongside access to obesity medications, where clinically appropriate.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: “The service will support access to weight loss medication in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. Any rollout will be carefully managed in a phased manner to ensure treatment is delivered safely and effectively.”

Future stages of the service could include additional interventions such as bariatric surgery, subject to funding.

Speaking about the announcement, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt described it as “a significant step forward”.

“Establishing a regional obesity management service will also bring us into line with other parts of the UK,” he said. “It will be a phased introduction and will take time and sustained investment to be fully established.”

He added: “This is a very important day for public health.”

The new service marks a major milestone in tackling rising obesity rates in Northern Ireland and aligning provision with the rest of the UK.