Conclusion

Providing weight management advice to people from different ethnic backgrounds requires pharmacy teams to understand and respect cultural norms and practices. It is important to recognise that many patients are unlikely to abandon culturally significant foods.

Instead, the focus should be on portion control and introducing healthier adaptations to traditional meals.

Similarly, advice aimed at increasing physical activity must align with cultural expectations if it is to be accepted, acted upon and sustained.

As overweight and obesity continue to be major public health concerns, alongside increasing ethnic diversity within the UK population, pharmacy teams must develop the cultural competence needed to deliver effective and appropriate weight management advice across all the communities they serve.