Updated July 2025

Maintaining a healthy body weight is closely linked to improved overall health and quality of life. One tool we often use in healthcare is the BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator, which gives a general indication of whether your weight is within a healthy range. You can use a BMI calculator here.

While BMI is not a perfect measure of body fat, it serves as a helpful guideline for assessing health risks. A higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

We fully recognise that losing weight is difficult—it’s not simply a matter of willpower, and we’re not here to judge. Evidence shows that long-term weight loss is most successful when it’s built on sustainable lifestyle changes, like choosing whole, single-ingredient foods and creating lasting healthy habits.

If you’re feeling discouraged or stuck, you’re not alone. Struggling with weight can be frustrating and emotionally draining, especially when past efforts haven’t worked. You’re not a failure—support is available, and asking for help is a strong and positive first step.

The NHS offers a range of weight management services, based on your individual needs and eligibility. Your GP Surgery can help guide you to the right option.

Weight Loss Injections and Tablets

We are currently receiving a high volume of requests for Mounjaro and to a lesser extent, Wegovy. We understand that these drugs have shown very promising results, and many people want to access them, but cost may be a barrier.

Recent press coverage may have alerted you to NICE guidance that Mounjaro should be made available in primary care. Owing to the cost implications for the NHS, NHS England have provided very strict eligibility criteria to be rolled out over a number of years.

In brief the eligibility criteria and timeline for Mounjaro to be prescribed in Primary Care are as follows:

Currently across NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, which includes Portsmouth and Southampton, neither semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) injections are available for managing weight loss and obesity. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is currently looking at the clinical steps needed to make this available for patients on prescription. This means that this medication will be available for weight loss once we have the right clinical process in place to ensure safe and fair access to tirzepatide for our patients. We expect this to be from summer 2025 through a staged approach which will help manage demand on existing healthcare services. As part of this staged approach, initially, tirzepatide will only be available in specialist weight management services. Please visit NHS weight loss support :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Tier 1 Services

Tier 1 services are designed to support all individuals in making early lifestyle changes to improve their health and manage their weight. These free, self-guided and entry-level resources focus on building healthy habits around eating, physical activity, and wellbeing.

NHS Better Health: Lose Weight
A practical online guide with meal planning tips, calorie tracking, and exercise ideas to help you get started.
Start here

NHS Inform 12-Week Weight Management Programme

A structured, week-by-week plan offering advice on diet, activity, and lifestyle changes, ideal for those beginning their weight loss journey.
Explore the programme

In-Person Support – Self-Referral

Tier 2 Services

To be eligible for a Tier 2 weight management service, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age 18 and over
• BMI of 30–34.9
• BMI of 27.5–29.9 for individuals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds

Service Options:

• Hampshire Residents:
  Access support through the Gloji Hampshire programme. Gloji Hampshire offers a fully funded 12-week Tier 2 weight management programme for eligible adults living in Hampshire (excluding Southampton and Portsmouth). Commissioned by Hampshire County Council and delivered by Thrive Tribe, the programme provides flexible options to support sustainable lifestyle changes (Slimming World, Digital Support and Exercise Support)
  You can self – refer by Visiting the sign up form: hampshire.gloji.org.uk

• Southampton Residents:
  Oviva offers a remote 12-week Tier 2 coaching programme. Additional eligibility criteria apply.
  • Participants Must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Are at high- risk of adverse outcomes due to long term- health conditions
  • Are at high- risk due to their ethnicity (Black African, African- Caribbean and Asian Origin)
  • Those in receipt of a recognised income related benefit

If you’re interested, please submit an Anima request to discuss further.
Learn more: Oviva Tier 2 Info Leaflet

• In-Person Support – Self-Referral
  You can also self-refer for 1:1 in-person support with a Health and Wellbeing Coach from the Living Well Partnership.
  Meet the team: Meet our Health & Wellbeing team!

Tier 3 Services

The Weigh Ahead is a specialist local weight management service available by GP referral only. It offers tailored support including therapy, educational resources, and—where appropriate—onward referral to Tier 4 (bariatric surgery e.g., gastric bypass.)

To be eligible for referral, patients must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 18 or over
• BMI over 40, or BMI over 35 with significant obesity-related health conditions (e.g., Type 2 diabetes)
• Must have previously accessed Tier 1 or Tier 2 services within the past 2 years (e.g., WW, Slimming World, exercise referral programmes, or use of Orlistat)
• Must be committed to achieving a 5–10% weight loss over the 6-month programme
• Must not have previously completed or been enrolled in The Weigh Ahead programme
• Must complete blood tests as part of the referral process

This structured programme is designed for individuals who have tried other weight management methods without long-term success and are ready to take the next step with specialist support. If you believe you meet the criteria above, please submit an Anima request stating your interest in Tier 3 referral.

Tier 4 Services

You may be considered for referral to the Tier 4 Bariatric Surgery Service if you meet the following criteria:

• BMI over 40, alongside health conditions such as hypertension and Type 2 diabetes
• Completed a Tier 3 weight management programme, with a discharge summary recommending progression to Tier 4
• All recommendations outlined in your Tier 3 discharge summary have been followed
• Tried all appropriate non-surgical weight loss interventions, but have been unable to achieve or maintain significant, health-improving weight loss
• Medically fit to undergo anaesthesia and surgery
• Willing and able to commit to long-term follow-up and lifestyle changes

Once you’ve completed the required programme, and if you meet the above criteria, your GP can refer you to the Tier 4 service for assessment.

Your initial appointment will take place at a multidisciplinary ‘one-stop’ clinic at Queen Alexandra Hospital. Here, you’ll be seen by a range of specialists including a:

• Consultant bariatric surgeon
• Anaesthetist
• Specialist bariatric nurse
• Dietitian
• (And if needed) psychologist, endocrinologist, or other specialists involved in preparing you for surgery

For more details, please visit the Portsmouth Hospitals Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery page.

If you believe you meet the criteria above, please submit an Anima request stating your interest in Tier 4 referral.

Exercise

Being active doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or running a marathon. There are plenty of free, fun, and flexible ways to start moving more—at your own pace and in your own way. Whether you’re just starting out, managing a health condition, or looking for motivation to stay active, the resources below offer something for everyone. From beginner-friendly walking groups to NHS-supported fitness apps, these tools can help you build activity into your daily routine and improve your overall wellbeing.

• Park Run and Walk: home | parkrun UK
• Couch to Fitness: Couch to Fitness | Couch to Fitness
• Couch to 5k app and podcast: Get running with Couch to 5K – Better Health – NHS
• NHS Exercise videos: Exercise – NHS Home workout videos – NHS
• Active 10 App: Get active – Better Health – NHS
• Get Active Directory: Get Active Hampshire
• Health Works – Self Refer Exercise referral: HealthWorks Referral Scheme | Eastleigh Borough Council
• We are undefeatable: Be More Active Whilst Living With A Health Condition
• Move more medicine: Find support & local activities – Moving Medicine

Let’s Get Moving: Let’s Get Moving with the Health & Wellbeing team – Living Well Partnership

Handy Healthy Eating Resources

Making healthier food choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These trusted tools and guides can help you shop smarter, cook healthier meals, and understand what’s really in your food. Whether you’re counting calories, planning meals, or just looking for simple recipe ideas, the resources below can support you on your journey to better nutrition.

Featured Resources:

• Pinch of Nom Recipe Archive
  A popular collection of healthy, budget-friendly recipes—ideal for weight loss or general healthy eating.
  Explore recipes
• NHS Food Scanner App
  Scan barcodes while shopping to quickly check for healthier options and better understand food labels. Great for families and mindful grocery trips.
  Learn more
• Eat Well – NHS Guide
  A comprehensive overview of how to build a balanced plate using the Eatwell Guide, including advice on portion sizes and food groups.
  Visit Eat Well
• Calorie Counting – NHS Better Health
  Tips and tools to help you track calories and portion sizes effectively while still enjoying your meals.
  Get started
• Balance the Budget Guide – Diabetes UK
  A downloadable guide with tips on eating well on a budget, ideal for anyone managing weight or a health condition like diabetes.
  Download from Diabetes UK Shop

Eating Behaviour concerns

Managing weight in a healthy and sustainable way means recognizing the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing. The Eating Disorders Service Leaflet by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust offers valuable insights and support for individuals who may be struggling with disordered eating patterns. Whether you’re concerned about your relationship with food or supporting someone else, this resource highlights key signs, services, and support available across the region.

EDS Resources Leaflet 

Eating Disorders Service :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust