bese people are being encouraged to ask their pharmacist about a free online NHS weight loss programme.
Until now, obese patients with either high blood pressure or diabetes had to be seen by their GP before they could access the 12-week weight management plan in England.
But from today, high street pharmacists can sign people up to the programme, which includes tailored plans on diet and exercise.
There is also access to apps and some people will be able to get one-to-one training and support.
Adults with obesity can now walk into any high street community pharmacy to take the first step on a life-changing weight loss journey
People need to have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 to sign up and are contacted within 10 days to start the programme.
Those from Asian black and minority ethnic backgrounds can join the programme at a lower BMI of 27.5, due to their increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Three in five adults in England are overweight, with more than one in four living with obesity.
Dr Bruce Warner, deputy chief pharmaceutical officer at NHS England, said: “Obesity is…
