Slimming on Referral

A Practice Nurses’s ViewNikki Sly

Senior Practice Nurse atBoundary House Surgery

A day in the life of a Nurse……

The effect of Obesity on the NHS

• More than a ¼ of adults are classed as obese• 42% of men and a 1/3 of women are classed

as overweight• The long term consequences of obesity is

costing the NHS £5.1 billion each year.

www.nice.org.uk (accessed June 2014)

The benefits of losing 5-10% of our body weight can be…

• Reducing high blood pressure that could lead to a stroke or heart disease

• Reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and its complications

• Improving osteoarthritis of joints and back pain• Improving fertility problems• Decreasing the likelihood of depression caused

by stigma or bullying

So why do patients fail to lose weight?

• Fad diets• No quick fix• Too busy• Feeling embarrassed/like a failure • Cost• Loss of control• Support

Slimming on Referral

• A golden opportunity for NHS patients to be encouraged to take control of their weight issues

• A 12 week scheme funded by the NHS and subsidised by Slimming World

• Flexibility for shift workers or people who work away from home

When referring a patient……

• Are they ready to change their lifestyle?• Do they fit the criteria? BMI >30• Explain the scheme• Weight, Height, and BP• Discuss how they can find out more about

slimming world and the clubs accessible to them – www.slimmingworld.com

• Complete the referral form

My Story….

Any questions?