How can I effectively monitor and support patients in a weight management program?

Effective monitoring and support during a weight management program involve a personalised, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach.

• Regularly review the patient’s health status and progress towards agreed, achievable weight loss goals set for different stages, including short-term and long-term targets (for example, first few weeks, end of program, and 1 year) ².
• Discuss personal circumstances, cultural and social contexts, psychological factors, and any barriers affecting attendance or participation, revisiting these discussions throughout the intervention to tailor support appropriately ¹.
• Encourage self-monitoring by helping patients track their weight and progress, fostering independence and self-management skills ².
• Tailor dietary advice to individual needs, preferences, and comorbidities, ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet that maintains an energy deficit, and provide ongoing support from trained healthcare professionals ¹.
• Incorporate sustainable physical activity plans that consider medical conditions, ideally led by qualified instructors, and promote long-term behavioural changes to reduce sedentary behaviour ².
• When weight management medicines are prescribed, monitor their effects regularly, reinforce behavioural advice, and provide information on additional support and counselling ¹.
• Discuss and facilitate support from the patient’s social network, such as family and friends, with the patient’s permission, to enhance motivation and adherence ¹.
• Address any difficulties in maintaining behavioural changes by discussing strategies and sources of ongoing support after the intervention ends, including online resources, support groups, or local services ².
• Consider specialist referral for comprehensive assessment or bariatric surgery when appropriate, and respect patient choices if they decline referral, offering alternative support and opportunities for re-referral ¹.