Health professionals should only back weight loss programmes that are likely to achieve long-term improvements, according to new UK guidance published today.
They should also only send patients to programmes which use staff trained by multi-disciplinary teams, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Trainers should include dieticians, psychologists and a qualified physical activity instructor.
GPs should also be cautious about their patients’ expectation of programmes, the guidance says.
They should tell patients that programmes need motivation and commitment and do not hold a "magic bullet" for weight loss, NICE says.
The guidance also tells professionals to be "respectful and non-blaming" with people who are overweight.
And they are also advised to ensure they have facilities that cater for "most" adults who are overweight and obese.
Professor Mike Kelly, of NICE, said obese people could develop poor mental health because of bullying and stigma.
He said: "Levels of obesity in England are rising, with a little over a quarter of adults classified as obese and a further 41% of men and 33% of women overweight. This is a huge proportion of our population.
"This draft guidance isn’t about quick fixes, it is about ensuring lifestyle weight management services support people in the long term.
"Programmes that address diet, activity and behaviour change can help people who are obese lose weight but they are only cost effective if the weight is kept off.”
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