What are the referral criteria for patients who may benefit from specialist weight management services?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Offer a higher level of intervention, such as referral to specialist overweight and obesity management services, for example, complications from excess weight clinics (CEW) or paediatric services, to children and young people with weight-related comorbidities or who need specialist support, depending on their clinical needs .

Refer adults with weight-related comorbidities or increased health risk based on their waist-to-height ratio to specialist services .

Assess associated comorbidities and possible causes for children and young people living with overweight or obesity in specialist services, including investigations of blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, liver and endocrine function, especially if they have significant comorbidities or complex needs .

Consider referral to an appropriate specialist for children and young people with significant comorbidities or complex needs, such as SEND or physical disabilities .

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