New Blog: NICE Overweight and Obesity Management Guidelines – A Step in the Right Direction
We’re pleased to share our latest blog exploring the updated NICE Overweight and Obesity Management Guidelines (NG246) — and why they represent an important step forward in UK dietary recommendations.
Published in January 2025, these updated guidelines introduce a significant change in approach. Moving away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model, NICE now recommends a flexible and individualised approach to dietary interventions for weight management.
What’s Changed?
One of the most notable updates is the explicit recommendation to tailor dietary advice based on:
– Individual food preferences (including cultural preferences)
– Personal circumstances such as home environment and finances
– Comorbidities and medical considerations
– Neurodiversity or sensory needs
The recognition that weight regain may occur
Importantly, the guidelines now state that dietary approaches may include patterns that lower specific macronutrients — such as low-fat or low-carbohydrate diets.
This marks a meaningful shift from previous guidance that centred largely on low-fat approaches, with limited scope for personalisation.
Why Does This Matter?
Weight management is complex. What works well for one person may not be sustainable or effective for another.
When guidelines only support a single dietary model, this can:
– Limit patient choice
– Reduce engagement and long-term adherence
– Create hesitation among healthcare professionals
– Discourage people from continuing approaches that are working for them
By acknowledging that multiple dietary approaches can be safe and effective, the updated NICE guidance provides greater opportunity for collaboration between patients and professionals — and for individuals to find an approach that truly fits their needs.
Is There Still Confusion?
While this update is a positive development, contradictions remain between different UK guidelines. Some current recommendations continue to promote more restrictive approaches, which can create uncertainty for both healthcare professionals and the public.
In our full blog, Dr Sean Wheatley explores these inconsistencies in more detail and discusses what they mean for practice moving forward.
This update represents a significant step toward more inclusive, evidence-based weight management guidance — but there is still work to be done.
To explore the implications in more depth, including how these guidelines compare with others currently in use, read the full blog here:
👉 Read the Full Blog
