Millions with health conditions 'should get regular BMI checks'

Millions of people in England and Wales with a long-term health condition should have their BMI checked regularly to prevent diabetes and heart disease.

- Denis Campbell

Anyone found to be overweight should then talk to "sensitive, non-judgmental" doctors and nurses about how they can lead a healthier life and stop their excess pounds causing them problems.

The checks should lead to more people being referred to weight management services for help overhauling their diet and lifestyles or being prescribed weight-loss drugs.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which advises the NHS on which treatments offer value for money, hopes its recommendations will help curb obesity.

People with conditions such as diabetes, lung problems and heart failure should have their BMI and waist-to-height ratio assessed and recorded at least once a year, Nice says today in draft guidance which will be published as a final document in August.