Specialist Obesity Service

This specialist service is for people who have struggled with their weight for a long period of time. We offer a more intensive approach to weight management, when other interventions have not worked. We make sure that all options have been tried before someone is considered for obesity surgery. A referral will need to be made by a health care professional in order to be seen by this specialist team.

Who runs the service?
The service is run by a multi professional team which includes GP’s, Specialist Dietitians, therapists and psychologists.

Referral Criteria
Referrals are accepted for patients with -
• BMI over 40 (over 37.5 for Asians)
• BMI over 35 with co morbidities (over 32.5 for Asians)

In addition to one of the following:
• Emotional/comfort eating
• Previous attempts to lose weight e.g. dietetic services/practice- based programmes/commercial groups/pharmacotherapy.

What to expect from an appointment
Depending on clinic location your first appointment could consist of seeing either a Nurse or GP (with a Specialist Interest in Weight Management) and a specialist dietitian. You also have the option of seeing a therapist should you wish to. The first appointment could last up to an hour and twenty minutes, depending on who you are seeing and you will be offered more appointments to suit your needs.

How to refer to this service
Referrals are accepted from health care professionals and can be either faxed or posted to the address on the referral form.

If you would like any further information about the service or care pathway please contact either Trisna Patel or Paul McArdle on 0121 465 2785.

For further information about healthy eating plans and their availability, please see our online weight management resource.

Referral Forms:

For South Birmingham PCT

For Heart of Birmingham PCT

For Birmingham East & North PCT