It affects around one in three adults in England. Unchecked or untreated, it can be a killer.
It is hard to think of another condition which is so frequently misunderstood, blights so many lives and for which taking the first step towards treatment can feel so difficult.
And no wonder.
It’s a complex condition shaped by many factors, including genetics, mental health, access to services, even the local environment in which people live.
So, being supported to achieve healthier outcomes is about more than simply encouraging good diets and exercise – it also means recognising and addressing the wider factors that shape people’s health.
According to Health and Wellbeing Data published by Dorset Council, last year, around 62% of adults in the county were classified as overweight or obese. That may be better than the national average (65%), but it’s still a major cause for concern.
That’s why I’m delighted NHS Trusts in Dorset will be among those receiving the benefit of a new £85 million partnership between government and industry to transform obesity care across the country.
This partnership could see thousands more patients gain access to enhanced local support.
A new service in Dorset will take a community-led approach to reaching groups who are too often left out of mainstream healthy weight services.
These include children and young people in care or with disabilities, adults with learning disabilities, and others living with serious mental health conditions.
People who have lived experience will help design new services to make sure the needs of individuals and families are truly met.
This is about giving people support in ways that work best for them. This might include outreach from local groups and health experts, further boosted by digital resources, including apps and wearable technologies.
A Weight Management Referral Hub opened in Dorset last year, helping local people access support for healthy weight management, including a medicated weight management, where clinically appropriate.
This latest investment forms part of our wider ambition to shift healthcare from sickness to prevention, as set out in our 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS, soon to mark its one-year anniversary.
By combining technology, community support, and compassionate care, we can help more individuals and families live healthier, happier, longer lives – in Dorset and beyond.
Sharon Hodgson
Health and social care minister