APPG on Obesity Marks World Obesity Day with Parliamentary Panel and Drop-In
Earlier this month, the APPG on Obesity hosted its World Obesity Day panel and parliamentary drop-in, bringing together around 50 stakeholders alongside Parliamentarians including May Foy MP, Antonia Bance MP, Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe, Abtisam Mohamed MP and Caroline Nokes MP.
Chaired by Mary Glindon MP, the discussion focused on variation in weight management service provision across England and the growing role of digital and hybrid models of care. The APPG’s latest FOI findings, alongside insights from its Strategic Council digital working group, provided the foundation for discussion.
Several key themes emerged:
Variation and system gaps: The FOI findings were referenced throughout, highlighting the lack of referral data, limited funding transparency and the absence in many areas of a unified, end-to-end adult obesity pathway. There was broad concern that without clearer commissioning standards and prioritisation, weight management risks remaining peripheral within wider NHS reform.
Obesity as a chronic condition: Speakers emphasised the need to recognise obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease, shaped by metabolic and environmental factors, requiring long-term, structured responses rather than short-term interventions.
Equity and access: Contributors highlighted persistent postcode variation, capacity constraints and the risk of an emerging multi-tier system, particularly as privately funded services expand.
Pharmacological treatment and governance: Audience questions focused on the rapid growth of obesity medications, including issues of access, regulation and the importance of ensuring medicines are delivered within coherent, clinically led pathways.
The role of digital services: There was broad agreement that digital and hybrid provision presents a significant opportunity to improve access and continuity of care, but that it must be underpinned by appropriate clinical oversight and regulation.
Overall, the discussion was constructive and forward-looking, with clear consensus that inequitable access and variation in provision remain significant challenges. The insights shared will help inform the APPG’s ongoing policy work and engagement.
You can view the latest FOI findings and updated heatmap here.
The APPG’s next session, chaired by Baroness Jenkin on 21 April, will focus on childhood obesity and prevention, exploring environmental and early intervention levers alongside the system reform themes discussed this week.