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Join the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
As an NHS-approved Digital Weight Management Programme provider, we’ll help you make simple, sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle.
What is the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme?
This 12-week digital weight management programme is specifically designed for adults living with obesity and high blood pressure, diabetes, or both. Tailored to your needs, preferences, and lifestyle, our programme empowers you to take control of your weight and wellbeing.
Crafted with your current activity levels and dietary preferences in mind, our programme ensures a personalised approach tailored to your unique circumstances. We’ll help you set achievable goals to secure sustainable, healthy changes to your habits, diet, and physical activity.
To enroll in the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, simply contact your GP or local pharmacy.
Find your local GP
Losing 5% of your current bodyweight can:
- Reduce your risk of developing diabetes and diabetes-related complications
- Reduce your risk of heart disease
- Lower your blood cholesterol levels
- Increase your mobility and activity levels
- Improve your body image to feel more confident
What to expect
Designed by our dedicated dietitians, psychologists, and physical activity experts, the programme is based on the latest scientific research and national health guidelines.
Delivered via Xyla’s Wellbeing Way app, you’ll have access to all the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme tools at your fingertips. The app provides a wealth of resources and materials, along with a built-in health tracker where you can set, monitor, and achieve your goals. Additionally, our weekly interactive learning modules are designed to support you every step on your journey to a healthier you.
Taking control of your health
The programme focuses on achievable and sustainable weight loss. Making a few simple changes can help you feel better both physically and mentally, ensuring these lifestyle changes stick long term.
You can access a wide range of tools and resources in the Wellbeing Way app:
- Webinars
- Podcasts
- Interactive educational modules
- Quizzes
- Exercise videos
- Blogs
- Articles
- Recipes
Eligibility criteria
To join the programme:
- You must be an adult diagnosed with diabetes (Type 2 or Type 1) or hypertension, or both.
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be 30 kg/m² or higher (adjusted to ≥27.5 for specific ethnicities).
You will not be eligible to access the service if:
- You are pregnant
- You have an active eating disorder
- The programme is considered to pose a greater risk of harm than benefit
- You have had bariatric surgery in the last two years
- You do not have a smartphone
- Recorded as having moderate or severe frailty
However, if you are living with obesity you may be able to access weight management services via your local council.
Learn more about the programme
Taking those initial steps to change your lifestyle can be challenging, but we are here to help you through every step of the way. Here’s what some of our service users have to say about us:
“I’ve really enjoyed all of the modules and felt there was a good level of information. I particularly enjoyed the ‘habits’ and ‘it’s not just what’s on your plate’ modules. I found the health tracker really motivating and felt supported with my sessions”
“It’s great that the app is digital, it feels there is a stigma for men going to weight management classes, and this gives an anonymous option without the stigma”
“I have loved the programme. I’ve found it very motivating and have enjoyed the modules, the app and the calls with various coaches”
Read service user success storiesAre you a GP or healthcare practitioner?
Frequently asked questions
There are several different referral routes into the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme; these are:
- GP/Primary Care Referral
- NHSE Staff Self-Referral
- Pharmacy Referral
- MSK specialist pathway
- Elective care pathway
If you have any concerns regarding your referral, please email NHSE on england.wmp-prevention@nhs.net
Yes.
We’ve tried to keep our app as simple to use as possible. If you can use apps to book appointments, read information and input basic data, then you should be fine. Our helpful Application Support Team are on hand to get you started and we have a range of ‘how to guides’ if you get stuck.
You’ll need a Smartphone or tablet that’s compatible with iOS 12.4 and above for Apple devices and 7 and above for Android devices. You’ll also need access to the Internet or sufficient mobile Wi-Fi/data allowance to view and download programme resources.
You will be required to weigh yourself weekly and log that weight in your ‘Health Tracker’, this will help you to track your progress and achievements. If possible, try to weigh yourself at the same day and time each week.
* Logging your weight weekly is a requirement of all users on our programme, if you do not have access to scales at home, have a think about how you will weigh yourself. Could you borrow scales from a friend or family member? Alternatively, you can often weigh yourself at your GP surgery, local pharmacy, or leisure centre.
It is important from a safety perspective that we have an updated weight, even whilst on holiday you should update your weight on a weekly basis. There may be a pharmacy you can go to, you could ask at the hotel, or try at the gym. If you are travelling by car, then you could take the scales with you. Alternatively, if you are unable to access any scales for the duration of you holiday, then please update the App with your most recent weight reading and log this weekly until you return however once home please update your tracker with an accurate weight.
Emily Ingrams, Service Manager of the programme, shares some of the quotes user’s have shared with her:
‘The app helped me focus on a healthy way of living.’
‘I enjoyed the programme and feel quite sad that it has completed & I felt the calls were very helpful for encouragement and accountability.’
‘The app has great ways to stay on track and I love the recipes.’
‘My health care professional was amazing, I never felt judged I stayed the same weight and she was so supportive.’
‘The online modules were very helpful, also my conversation with my health coach helped me see things in a right perspective.’
‘The phones chat I had with my coach, always listened and was very professional and helped me stay motivated. When I was on my holidays, I struggled to stick to the programme, but my coach reminded me why I was doing it and gave me the boost I needed. I’ve dropped 2 dress sizes and feel more energetic. Just a great coach does wonders for someone like me.’
‘The coach call helped me look at weight loss as a more holistic program and a way of life. My weight dropped by 3 kgs from the start of the program. Follow the program and make it a way of life. I am very glad I participated in this programme.’
Great question! We offer a simple approach that’s backed by our team of clinically trained dietitians and nutritionist professionals. Unlike some programmes you may have tried, there’s no calories counting, no points or magic lists of foods to eat. Instead, we support you to make informed food choices to match your tastes and preferences. It’s important to us that the programme caters to your budget and lifestyle, so you’ll find plenty of quick, affordable, simple, delicious and nutritious recipes to enjoy. Our weekly interactive learning modules are there to support you every step of the way on your journey to a Healthier You.
You have 42 days from the day you are referred to select your NHS Digital Weight Management Programme provider and then a further 42 days to start your programme once you’ve chooses us.
Your 12-week programme clock starts ticking from the minute you complete your registration, and it cannot be paused or turned back, neither can you be re-referred, (unless in very exceptional circumstances). Therefore, it’s important that this is the right time for you before taking up the programme. If you need to skip a week or two of the programme, that’s fine, just remember to record your weight in the app and you can catch up on any modules during the remaining 12 weeks.
We understand that life is busy and full of other things and want to support you to get what you need from the programme.
Meet the Digital Weight Management team
A key part of your Digital Adult Weight Management Programme is the opportunity to have one to one coaching sessions with our qualified team. The number and length of your coaching sessions depends on your programme level; but we will work with you to find a schedule that fits in around your commitments and lifestyle.
Your coaching sessions are delivered by telephone and our team will call you at your appointment time. To get the most from your sessions, we ask that you update your weight reading in the App and bring a copy of this along with you to let your coach know how you are doing. It would be great if you could also write down a couple of points you want to discuss with your coach or any questions you may have.
Magdalena Lenard
Dietitian
I’m Magdalena, a Registered Dietitian in the adult weight management team with a long-standing passion for weight management. Throughout my childhood I struggled with my weight and this experience inspired me to become a dietitian to help others become healthier and happier.
My professional experience consists of working in both, private healthcare and the NHS.
I strongly believe that by providing individually tailored approach we can work wonders
Khushbu Rawal
Dietitian
I’m one of the Weight Management Practioners at Xyla with a focus on gradual and sustainable lifestyle changes.
I’m a Registered Dietitian with more than 10 years of experience in dietetics and nutrition. Having graduated as a Microbiologist, I hold a strong background in lifestyle sciences. I have done specialization in Vegan and Vegetarian Nutrition. With my key area of interest being medical nutrition therapy, I believe in providing holistic support for making better lifestyle choices and improving health.
Hema Shah
Dietitian
I’m Hema and I’m a Registered Dietitian. I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure and that health is wealth which inspired me to study Dietetics at university.
I enjoy empowering individuals to make better lifestyle choices.
In my spare time, I enjoy growing my own vegetables and reading.
Shahida Sams
Weight Management Practitioner
As a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and an MSc in Nutrition from Leeds Beckett University, I’m here to support you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
Together, we can work on quitting smoking, managing your weight and making positive changes to your nutrition habits.
Sarah Sylvester
Weight Management Practitioner
I have a degree in Nutrition and I love to talk about food as well as trying new foods and making them.
I consider my health as my wealth and want to share my weight management, nutritional knowledge and expertise to individuals who are interested in this.
Vakeesan Mahendralingham
Weight Management Practitioner
I am AfN Nutritionist and Health Coach and Health Supervisor. I have worked for the NHS as Nutritionist, creating clinics and health educational programs. I also work for the NDPP and DWM.
I am a Level 3 black belt in karate and I run a food page on Instragram ‘foodbyvakeesan’ – check it out!
My hobbies include swimming, travelling and generally trying new experiences.
Gabbie Horwell
Weight Management Practitioner
As one of the DWM Coaches, I bring my expertise as a nutritionist with a deep commitment to health and wellness.
My journey began as a Diabetes Coach with Xyla, and I’ve since expanded my knowledge to include CVD and weight management.
I’m a passionate foodie, ski instructor, and sports enthusiast, all of which drive my interest and commitment for a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Neda Hejri
Weight Management Practitioner
My name is Neda, I am Associate Nutritionist with master’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition.
I worked in public health for many years specifically in diabetes management. I pursue nutrition because I believe what we eat affects all aspects of our lives. My passion is to empower others to feel in control and make better choices for their health.
Outside work I enjoy reading, walking in the countryside and learning new skills.
Contact us
To explore how our services could empower your communities to live healthier lives, for longer, please get in touch.