As reported by The National, new draft guidance recommends annual weight monitoring for people with chronic conditions to catch early signs of diabetes and heart disease risks
People with certain long-term health conditions should undergo annual weight checks to help identify those at risk of complications such as diabetes and heart disease, according to new draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The recommendations suggest that patients with conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, learning disabilities, obstructive sleep apnoea, heart failure, and stroke should have their Body Mass Index (BMI) recorded every year. Additionally, those with a BMI under 35 should also have their waist-to-height ratio checked to provide a more accurate assessment of health risks.
While many people with chronic conditions already undergo routine health checks, NICE has highlighted that weight measurements are not always included. The proposed guidance aims to ensure that doctors can monitor patients’ weight trends over time, allowing for early intervention if necessary.
Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at NICE, said: “These simple annual measurements create opportunities for early intervention and conversations about long-term health and wellbeing. By identifying trends before they become problems, clinical practitioners can help people prevent more serious health complications down the line.”
The recommendations are currently in draft form and, if adopted, could lead to more proactive healthcare measures for people with long-term conditions, potentially improving overall patient outcomes and reducing the burden on the NHS.
