On 12 August 2025, the UK government unveiled a landmark £85 million health innovation programme in partnership with Lilly. The initiative aims to broaden access to obesity care—beyond specialist clinics—by empowering pharmacies, digital platforms, and community services to deliver holistic support and, where clinically appropriate, obesity treatments.
The Challenge and Vision
Obesity imposes an £11 billion annual burden on the NHS. Traditional specialist services struggle to meet demand, limiting access. This programme is a core element of the Plan for Change under the 10‑Year Health Plan, aiming to shift from treatment-oriented to preventive, community-based models of care.
Funding Structure and Scope
Government contribution: Up to £50 million
Lilly’s contribution: Up to £35 million, including at least £10 million for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Local NHS and innovation bodies (e.g., Innovate UK) will invite proposals. Selected projects could begin rolling out as early as summer 2026.
Programme Goals and Reach
Broaden access: Enable patients living with obesity to receive care locally—through pharmacies, mobile or digital services, or community hubs—instead of specialist clinics.
Alleviate NHS pressure: Reduce strain on GPs, outpatient services, and hospital beds by deploying care outside traditional settings.
Tailored, wraparound support: Combine clinical interventions, behavioural advice, digital tools, and community support.
Stimulate innovation: Generate evidence on effective, scalable obesity-management models.
Leadership Perspectives
Peter Kyle MP (Science & Technology Secretary) highlighted the programme’s transformative potential to improve life quality and reduce NHS strain—anchoring it in the life sciences agenda.
Wes Streeting MP (Health Secretary) emphasised prevention, NHS modernisation, and equitable access beyond those able to pay—forging a healthier, future-ready service.
Professor Rachel Batterham of Lilly underscored the importance of building an evidence base through this industry-government collaboration.
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England’s national medical director, welcomed a shift to prevention and community-accessible care, building on existing weight management initiatives.
Broader Context and Innovation Ecosystem
This initiative builds on prior investments through Innovate UK’s Weight Management Pathway Design Accelerator, which funded 23 local pilot projects. The new programme scales these efforts across the UK under the Obesity Healthcare Goals umbrella.
It also aligns with the Life Sciences Sector Plan, positioning obesity innovation within broader industrial and health strategies.
Conclusion
This bold programme signals a paradigm shift: enabling equitable, community-based obesity care, alleviating systemic strain, and building innovation pathways. By empowering pharmacies, digital health tools, and local services, it moves the NHS from reactive treatment to proactive, prevention-oriented care—transforming lives and the future of public health.
