NHS Launches £85 Million Innovation Programme to Transform Obesity Care
Tens of thousands of NHS patients living with obesity could soon gain access to world-class, personalised care thanks to a groundbreaking £85 million health innovation programme backed by the UK Government and global pharmaceutical company Lilly.
Designed to revolutionise obesity services, the initiative will expand access to weight management support through digital platforms, community-based programmes, and pharmacies. By offering holistic, wraparound care, the programme aims to ease pressure on the NHS, reduce obesity-related health risks, and support the Government’s long-term Plan for Change and 10-Year Health Plan.
A landmark investment in obesity care innovation
The UK Government will contribute £50 million, with Lilly providing an additional £35 million in grant funding. NHS organisations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are now invited to submit proposals to pilot innovative care models outside of existing specialist services. At least £10 million has been reserved for projects across the devolved nations.
Services could begin rolling out as early as summer 2026, offering patients access to:
- Personalised weight management support
- Integrated wraparound care tailored to individual needs
- Access to obesity treatments, where clinically appropriate
- Digital tools and platforms to enable healthier lifestyle changes
This investment builds on the success of the Weight Management Pathway Design Accelerator, delivered through Innovate UK, which supported 23 pioneering projects exploring new community-based and joined-up models of care.
Tackling one of the UK’s biggest health challenges
Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable ill health in the UK, linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It costs the NHS an estimated £11 billion every year, as well as billions more in lost productivity.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet we now have the science, technology and knowledge to tackle this epidemic – if we seize the opportunity.
“As we shift focus from treatment to prevention under our 10-Year Health Plan, we are determined to bring modern, life-changing care to everyone who needs it, not just those who can afford it.
“This collaboration will give patients access to obesity services within months, testing new ways to improve access to support, treatments, and healthier living. In the long term, it will help us reshape how the NHS tackles one of today’s greatest health challenges – building an NHS fit for the future.”
Supporting healthier communities across the UK
By widening access to obesity support in familiar, everyday settings, the programme will help people live healthier, more active lives, reduce pressure on hospitals, and support wider participation in work and society.
All participating services will operate under national NHS guidelines, with local clinicians assessing eligibility to ensure care remains safe, equitable, and responsive to local needs.
This transformational innovation programme represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine obesity care in the UK – combining government leadership, NHS delivery, and industry expertise to save lives, reduce costs, and help communities thrive.
