Two “pioneering” Scottish projects aimed at tackling obesity have been included in an £85 million drive to help people lose weight and improve their health.
A project in Lanarkshire and another in Midlothian are amongst 12 across the UK being funded as part of the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme.
Funded through up to £50 million from the UK Government and up to £35 million from pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, the projects aim to deliver new ways for people to receive care in a bid to reduce pressure on vital NHS services.
In Lanarkshire, people will be able to get new weight management tools on their phone or computer, which can give them diet tips and information on exercise, physical activity and the impact of behaviour change.
Described as bringing weight loss support into line with how people live their lives today, it could help patients tackle and prevent type 2 diabetes while also improving cardiovascular health.
In Midlothian, the Limitless Stride programme could provide weight loss support for up to 10,000 people who are obese and also affected by other related conditions, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
They will get digital access to information and advice, along with professional assessment and treatment – which could include obesity medication if this is clinically appropriate.
Tackling obesity is one of the UK’s most pressing health challenges, with almost one third of adults in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and one in four in Wales, living with the condition – which is estimated to cost the UK up to £107 billion per year, including a cost to the NHS of more than £9 billion.
Commenting on the projects, which are due to run until March 2029, UK Science Secretary Liz Kendall said they will “help remove the barriers that have stopped too many people getting the help they need” to lose weight.
She said: “Almost one in three adults in this country are living with obesity – that’s millions of people who deserve real support.
“These pioneering projects will meet people where they are, whether that is through a pharmacy round the corner, an app on their phone, or support in their own language.
“For a parent trying to give their child the best start, or someone who has struggled to access help for years, that can make all the difference.”
Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: “This partnership is a great example of the UK Government teaming up with innovative technology companies to tackle an issue that impacts on people every day and puts pressure on NHS services.
“It will give more options for people looking for support to manage their weight by harnessing the technological skills and innovation we have here in Scotland.
“This will have a long-term benefit for both people in Scotland and for the delivery of health services.”
Chris Stokes, president and general manager at Lilly UK and Northern Europe, said: “Obesity is a significant health challenge for the UK.
“We are proud to work with the Government to support NHS partners in projects which have the potential to modernise obesity services and make a genuine difference in the lives of people living with obesity.”