Northern Ireland’s first regional obesity management service has been approved by the health minister.
Mike Nesbitt’s announcement follows a public consultation by the Department of Health (DOH) on the proposed introduction of such a service.
Currently, health service patients in Northern Ireland do not have access to specialist weight management provision.
The first phase, which is scheduled to begin in 2026, will focus on the development of a community-based service where patients will have access to lifestyle support as well as obesity medication, if clinically appropriate.
The department said: “The service will support access to weight loss medication in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.”
“Any rollout will be carefully managed in a phased manner to ensure that treatment is provided in a safe and effective manner.”
