Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Obesity - Management
When should I refer a person who is overweight or obese?

  • Consider referral to a specialist obesity service if:  
    • The underlying causes of overweight and obesity need to be assessed.
    • The person has complex disease states and/or needs that cannot be managed adequately in either primary or secondary care.
    • Conventional treatment has failed in primary or secondary care.
    • Specialist interventions (e.g. very low calorie diet for extended periods or surgery) may be needed.
Basis for recommendation
  • This recommendation is based on guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children [NICE, 2006b].

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement