National evaluation of weight medication access (NEWA)

Evaluation of a pilot for the use of obesity medications outside hospital settings
Obesity medication

National evaluation of weight medication access (NEWA)

Evaluation of a pilot for the use of obesity medications outside hospital settings
Title: National evaluation of weight medication access (NEWA): Evaluation of a pilot for the use of obesity medications outside hospital settings
Funding amount: £1,495,839
Location: UK
Dates: 2025–2028
Project partners: University of Plymouth, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, The Fakenham Medical Practice, North Bristol NHS Trust, Leeds Beckett University, University of East Anglia
University of Plymouth PI/Co-I: Professor Jonathan Pinkney (PI), Professor Mark Tarrant (Co-I)
University of Plymouth staff: Dr Laura Hollands
 

Overview

New anti-obesity medications such as Tirzepatide offer more effective treatment for obesity when combined with behavioural interventions. However, these medications require wraparound care such as that currently provided within Tier 3 specialist weight management services, which lack nationwide availability and sufficient capacity for eligible individuals. NHS England is thus implementing four alternative service models for accessing Tirzepatide, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation to guide future rollout.

Objectives 

We aim to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of new weight management service models to provide Tirzepatide across socio-demographic groups. 
This will inform future implementation and evaluation of service models to improve equity in access to anti-obesity medication.

Context of the issue

While short-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of individual obesity treatment modalities, such as Tirzepatide, are supported by trials, research on real-world health service delivery and optimal treatment combinations (e.g. medications and behavioural therapies) is lacking. Limited evidence from behavioural weight management trials suggests 'more advantaged' participants exhibit higher engagement and adherence. Research is therefore needed to support equitable access to new treatments across socio-demographic groups.

How the project addresses the issue

We aim to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of new service models to provide Tirzepatide across socio-demographic groups. This will inform future implementation and evaluation of service models to improve equity in access to anti-obesity medication.
Man preparing obesity medication at home

Centre for the Psychology of Health and Wellbeing

The Centre for the Psychology of Health and Wellbeing (CPHW) at the University of Plymouth brings together researchers in clinical, cognitive, social, and environmental psychology to understand and improve health in real-world contexts.
The CPHW's interdisciplinary research addresses health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and integrates theoretical models and methods from neuroscience, cognition and applied social and health psychology.
 
Blue rose petal with dew for the CPHW