Edinburgh and Lothians residents could benefit from a new £7.7m digital weight management programme designed to ease pressure on local GP practices.
NHS Lothian secured the funding on 25 June to develop the app-based initiative, which will connect patients with healthcare professionals, community services, and specialist teams.
The funding is part of a £16m package allocated to Scottish health boards through the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme – a joint partnership between the UK Government, Eli Lilly, and Innovate UK.
Over the next three years, the health board will roll out two distinct programmes. The first, LIMITLESS, aims to support 10,000 local patients to manage obesity and reduce the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
The second programme, STRIDE, will be run in collaboration with Defence Medical Command to provide virtual support, fitness assessments, and psychological screening for armed forces personnel and their families.
Both schemes will be independently evaluated by researchers at Edinburgh Napier University.
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director at NHS Lothian, said the technology could establish a new standard for weight management care across the country.
Dr Gillies said: “This innovative new programme has the potential to transform weight management care by using the latest technology to develop a sustainable model.
“LIMITLESS and STRIDE aim to set the standard for weight management across Scotland and beyond. They will play a crucial role in defining future models of care, reducing waiting times and ensuring faster access to safe, person-centred care for people living with obesity.”
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Air Marshal Claire Walton, Chief of Defence Medical, added that the collaboration would support the long-term health and deployment readiness of military personnel.
Air Marshal Walton said: “Through this work we will aim for better long-term health and deployability of our Armed Forces and faster, more flexible, access to novel services.
“Working together, LIMITLESS STRIDE will provide faster access to tailored weight management care, including digital support, psychological screening, rehabilitation and fitness assessment.”
Public Health Minister Maree Todd noted that the project builds on national efforts to scale up effective weight management support.
Ms Todd said: “This funding will drive real innovation in the treatment of obesity in Scotland and ensure that people will receive care and weight management support tailored to their individual needs.”
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