Our patients have access to multiple weight management and fitness options within Islington and North Central London. If you would like to know more about what options you can be referred to, speak to member of our reception team who can book you in with one of our Healthcare Assistants who can help you pick the best referral for you.
More Life – weight management support
Our patients can be referred to MoreLife for weight management support. The program provides 12 weeks of support with a weight management practitioner which offers access to weekly, group-based weight management sessions at local community venues or online via zoom.
This program is available to all our patients living within Islington and Camden who are 18years old and over with a BMI of 30+ or 25+ and living with a long term condition.
Camden and Islington – Morelife UK
Health Wise – Physical activity referral
The physical health referral for Islington residents offers a 12-week, personalised, physical activity plan and group based classes to health increase activity levels. Patients can have access to the plan and a number of activities which are free. Gym memberships are not included but can be provided at a discount with the scheme to Sobell Leisure Centre.
The program is available to Islington residents who are over 18, living with an existing long term condition and ready to make a physical change.
Shape Up – Arsenal Community
Arsenal community hub have successfully been running Shape Up for Men and Shape Up Sisters since 2023 and we have seen so many patients have great success with this program. Completely free and separate groups for men and women the shape up program is available to our patients living in Islington with a BMI over 27.
Shape Up participants will have access to weekly evening sessions of 90 minutes that include body composition monitoring, nutrition education and lifestyle behaviour change, and physical activity and reduction of sedentary behaviour.
Additionally, participants will have access to a remote support network and 12 months of support and monitoring after the 12-week intervention.
Click here to download the self referral card
The Why Weight Programme
Why Weight is a group consultation programme offering support to people who are seeking to lose weight and improve their health. Two tutors will support you to find practical ways to build your knowledge, skills and confidence to help you better manage your diet and achieve weight loss.
It also provides a great opportunity to learn and interact from others living with the same or similar health condition(s).
The programme is made up of six sessions delivered virtually (on Zoom): one session a week, for six weeks. Each session lasts for 2.5 hours (including a break). It’s best to attend all six sessions.
If you are registered with a GP in Islington, you can self-refer using the online form or your GP can also refer you.
Medication for weight management
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) TA875, has approved Semaglutide (Wegovy®) for managing overweight and obese patients. This has been widely publicised, however, the current agreement by NICE is that it can only be prescribed by a specialist weight management (tier 3) service (i.e. hospital only).
As advised by the North Central London (NCL) Integrated Care Board: Wegovy® is NOT available to be prescribed from GP Practices for this indication.
There is no commissioned Tier 3 Weight Management Service for NCL (North Central London) patients at the moment, however there is a working group looking into this, and we hope this service will be in place in the next 3-6 months.
Similar medications (Ozempic and Rybelsus) are licensed for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise, this will only be prescribed in line with our current diabetes pathways.
If you would like to consider other weight management options, please book an appointment with a health care assistant to discuss what is available to you.
