The Department of Health has announced the first phase of a new £5 million Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS), marking a significant step forward in the treatment of obesity across Northern Ireland.
Expected to launch in early Autumn 2026, the new service will provide eligible adults with access to specialist weight management support, including weight loss medication where clinically appropriate and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. The service will also place a strong emphasis on lifestyle support to help patients achieve sustainable long term outcomes.
Obesity remains one of Northern Ireland’s most significant public health challenges, with around 65% of adults living with overweight or obesity. The condition is associated with an increased risk of a wide range of serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Initially, ROMS will focus on those with the highest clinical need, with the aim of delivering the greatest health benefits as the service is introduced.
Announcing the programme, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the new service represented an important milestone for health and social care in Northern Ireland.
“This is a very important day for Northern Ireland as this new service will help improve the lives of many people. Obesity is a significant public health issue and those living with being overweight or obese are at a higher risk of a range of major health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.”
The Minister said the service supports his vision of shifting care closer to where people live, as outlined in his recently published Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing health inequalities, noting that obesity disproportionately affects people living in the most disadvantaged communities.
Alongside ROMS, the Department of Health is introducing the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP), which has secured £7 million from a wider £85 million partnership between the UK Government and pharmaceutical company Lilly. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Health Collective and organisations across the community and voluntary sector.
Supported by an additional £2 million from the Department of Health, OPIP will create multiple routes into weight management services, including self referral and social prescribing. This means people will be able to access support directly and work with a Health and Social Care clinician to set personal goals, without first requiring a GP referral.
Minister Nesbitt welcomed the collaborative approach behind the programme, stating:
“This partnership allows us to work with a range of HSC organisations and voluntary and community sector to ensure effective service delivery, supporting people in their communities.”
Delivery of OPIP is due to begin in August, with the Regional Obesity Management Service following in Autumn 2026.
Together, the two initiatives represent a significant new investment in obesity care in Northern Ireland, expanding access to evidence based treatment and community support for people living with obesity while supporting a broader shift towards prevention and early intervention within Health and Social Care.