Obesity service to initially focus on individuals with the highest clinical need

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a £5million Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland.

A new obesity service is to initially focus on individuals with the highest clinical need.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a £5 million Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) for Northern Ireland.

It comes as obesity is identified as one of the region’s biggest public health issues, with 65% of adults living with obesity or excess weight.

Weight loss medication for adult patients will be among approaches in ROMS which is expected to be rolled out in early autumn 2026.

The Department of Health said it will focus on those people with the highest clinical need to optimise health benefits.

Mr Nesbitt said the new service will help improve the lives of many people.

“Obesity is a significant public health issue and those living with being overweight or obese are at a higher risk of a range of major health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers,” he said.

“This service aligns with my vision for the future of Health and Social Care (HSC), shifting left and bringing care closer to people’s front doors, as set out in my recently published neighbourhood model of health and wellbeing.”

Mr Nesbitt said obesity disproportionately affects those from disadvantaged communities (68%) compared to the least disadvantaged (62%).

“The shift from treating ill health to helping people stay well will support longer, healthier, and more active lives, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK and improving health outcomes,” he added.

ROMS is planned to be implemented alongside the new Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP) which received a £7 million share of an £85million envelope from the UK Government and pharmaceutical company, Lilly, and will be delivered in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.

Delivery of OPIP will commence in August with implementation of the ROMS beginning in autumn 2026, with an initial focus on individuals with the highest clinical need.

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