Government and Lilly back £85 million programme to test new approaches to obesity care

The UK Government and pharmaceutical company Lilly have announced up to £85 million in funding for 12 projects that will test new ways of delivering obesity care across the UK.

The projects form part of the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP), with up to £50 million provided by the Government and up to £35 million by Lilly. The programme will be delivered by Innovate UK and aims to evaluate new models of care that could improve access to NHS weight management services.

The pilot projects will explore a range of digital and community-based approaches to supporting people living with obesity. These include AI-assisted triage, smartphone apps, virtual support, pharmacy-based services and community care pathways designed to help people access appropriate NHS services more quickly.

Examples of the projects include:

• AI-assisted online assessments to help direct patients to the most appropriate NHS weight management service.
• Digital support tools providing advice on healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and wellbeing.
• Community-based services delivered through local NHS organisations, pharmacies and other healthcare partners.

According to the Government, the programme aims to improve access to clinically appropriate weight management support, reduce pressure on frontline NHS services and generate evidence that could inform future obesity care across the UK.

The projects are being led by NHS Integrated Care Boards and devolved nation NHS boards, working with a range of partners including charities, academic organisations and technology providers. Eligible patients are expected to begin accessing the new services over the coming months, with the programme running until March 2029.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.

Register with The Daily Round for the latest sector news, exclusive investigations, wellbeing content, workforce insights, expert features and practical updates—delivered free to your inbox.