An Tier 2 Weight management service on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight council are inviting appropriate tenders for An Isle of Wight 2 tier weight management service. In 2018/19 it was estimated that on the Isle of Wight 63.1% of adults (18+) (England value is 62.3%) have excess weight.

(PHOF: Local Tobacco Control Profiles, July 2020). The Healthy Lifestyle rapid needs assessment (April 2019) estimated that 71,020 people on the Isle of Wight were overweight or obese. 40,373 people are estimated to be overweight with a BMI of 25-29.5, and 30,647 people obese, with a BMI over 30.

These estimates are based on national prevalence, however given that overweight and obesity prevalence varies with age, with the highest levels from 45 to 74 for men, and 45 to 84 for women, these estimates are likely to be conservative and actual numbers of people with excess weight may be even higher. Prevalence of adult overweight and obesity increased rapidly in the UK between 1993 and 2010 and has since stabilised.

There is no local data over this timeframe for the Isle of Wight, however, it is expected that prevalence reflects this upward trend. Obesity prevalence varies with area of deprivation in women but not in men; nationally 38% of women in the most deprived areas are obese, compared with 20% of women in the least deprived areas.

There is no local data on obesity distribution across the Isle of Wight, however, it is expected that levels of obesity will be higher in less affluent areas of the Island. Excess weight has significant costs on the NHS.

On the Isle of Wight, in 2016/17, there were 2,118 hopsital admissions where obesity was a factor, 524 prescriptions were issued for the treatment of obesity and 15 people had surgery to facilitate weight loss . This service will support adults on the Isle of Wight who want or need to lose weight, which will contribute to the prevention of, or reduce the impact of, associated ill-health.