Summary

Finding out a person’s weight loss story and what might underlie their eating and exercise behaviours is crucial. Bear in mind that referral may be needed if your conversation identifies disordered eating, mental health issues or abuse.

Goal setting beyond weight loss has been shown to be instrumental in achieving change. Continued two-way contact to monitor and support the person will increase the likelihood of achieving their weight management goals.

Useful resources

• Changing behaviour: Techniques for tier 2 adult weight management services. Public Health England and Centre for Translational Research in Public Health 
• Your Simple Guide to Healthy Weight Loss. British Heart Foundation
• NHS Better Health Let’s Do This: weight loss plans – apps and services that are free or low cost. NHS 
• Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity. Technology appraisal guidance TA1026 (updated September 1, 2025); NICE. Includes checklists for initial assessment, counselling, and follow-up and monitoring 
• Tirzepatide: a discussion aid for healthcare professionals and patients. Tools and resources for the NICE guideline on overweight and obesity management (NG246); NICE

In the final toolkit we look at learning from practice by describing case studies and considering insights from pharmacists involved in providing weight management services.