The Obesity Working Group 2025–27 is an ongoing programme commissioned by UK Healthcare and Life Sciences Innovation (UKHLSI) and delivered by Curia. It connects evidence and policy recommendations with practical work on NHS pathways, implementation and the case for investment.
Obesity care has featured in Curia and UKHLSI’s work over several years. The programme has called for obesity to be recognised as a chronic condition, with care that can bring together medicines, behavioural and digital support.
In 2025, Curia’s Shaping a Healthier Future report set out that case following a Parliamentary Obesity Summit. In February 2026, an NHS innovation summit in Barnsley brought together regional leaders to examine how experience in Yorkshire could inform pathway design and system readiness.
Further work led to From Access to Outcomes, which proposed Strategic Innovation Gateways and made the case to HM Treasury for investment, independent evaluation and a route to wider NHS adoption.
National announcements and procurement plans have since reflected several themes that the programme has advocated, including integrated support and innovation in obesity pathways. This is alignment with the programme’s recommendations; it does not mean Curia or UKHLSI caused those decisions.
The next phase will focus on working with NHS systems on pathway diagnostics, implementation plans, shared outcomes and evaluation, while continuing discussions with government and national health bodies about investment and scale.
Get involved
Organisations interested in contributing to this work or joining the UKHLSI Obesity Working Group can explore UKHLSI membership and opportunities to support evidence-led NHS delivery. The Working Group’s next meeting is on 4 December 2026.
To find out more, contact bmcdermott@ukhlsi.co.uk or enquiries@ukhlsi.co.uk.
