Northern Ireland to launch first regional Obesity Management Service
- Love Ballymena
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Northern Ireland’s first Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS), marking a milestone in public health for the region.
The service is scheduled to begin its initial phase in early 2026 and will offer patients community-based access to weight management support, including clinically appropriate obesity medication.
At present, Northern Ireland does not offer specialist weight management services within its health system, including innovative weight loss injections / medications.
The new initiative aims to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK, where access to such interventions, including weight loss medications and bariatric surgery, has already been established.
Addressing a Public Health Crisis
Obesity has been a growing concern in Northern Ireland, where 65% of adults and 26% of children are classified as overweight or obese. The impact is not only medical but economic. A 2015 study estimated that obesity-related healthcare and productivity costs total approximately £414 million annually in Northern Ireland.
“This is a very significant step forward,” said Mr Nesbitt. “I have many competing demands on a seriously overstretched budget but I was determined to prioritise this area. Obesity is a significant public health issue in Northern Ireland.”
He added: “Those living with being overweight or obese are at a higher risk of a range of major health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.”
Phased Rollout with Patient Safety at the Core
The first phase of ROMS will focus on community-based services, offering lifestyle support and medication where appropriate. Treatments will adhere to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance and will be introduced gradually to ensure patient safety and service sustainability.
Future phases, subject to funding, are expected to include surgical interventions such as bariatric surgery, broadening the scope of services available to those most in need.
“Establishing a Regional Obesity Management Service will also bring us into line with other parts of the UK,” Mr Nesbitt said. “It will be a phased introduction and will take time and sustained investment to be fully established.”
Tackling Health Inequalities
The initiative has a particular focus on addressing health inequalities. Obesity disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland, with 68% of individuals in the most deprived areas affected, compared to 62% in the least disadvantaged areas.
“I have also made health inequalities one of my main areas of focus as Minister,” said Mr Nesbitt. “Obesity is a contributing factor to health inequalities.”
The ROMS will sit within the Department of Health’s broader strategic framework ‘Healthy Futures’, which aims to tackle the root causes of obesity through systemic and community-level change. This includes promoting healthier environments and improving access to physical activity and nutritious diets.
Public Consultation Strongly Supports Change
The Department of Health launched a public consultation on the proposed ROMS in November 2023, receiving nearly 19,000 responses, the majority in support of the service.
A full summary of responses has been published today and is available on the Department of Health’s website: Consultation Report on ROMS
A parallel consultation on the ‘Healthy Futures’ framework has also concluded, with findings reaffirming the need for a holistic, patient-centred approach. Respondents emphasised equitable access, community engagement, and addressing structural drivers of obesity rather than placing the burden solely on individuals.
Looking Ahead
The final version of the Healthy Futures strategic framework is expected to be published in 2025. This long-term vision underlines the Department’s commitment to prevention and population health, shifting the health service’s focus “from treating ill people to helping them stay healthy,” as Mr Nesbitt affirmed.
“Today is nevertheless a very important day for public health,” he concluded.
For more information and to access both consultation reports, visit: